OnePlus to invest Rs 6,000 cr in India biz over next 3 years

OnePlus, the Chinese smartphone and electronics giant, has announced a strategic investment of ₹6,000 crore into its India operations over the next three years. 

The company plans to make the investment in tranches of Rs 2,000 crore annually for the next three years under 'Project Starlight'.

 

This significant commitment underscores the company’s focus on deepening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets. With India emerging as a critical hub for manufacturing, R&D, and sales, OnePlus’s Project Starlight investment focuses on three key areas -- making even more durable devices, exceptional customer service, and developing India-specific features.

OnePlus’s ₹6,000 crore investment will be channeled into several key areas such as:

Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities:
The company aims to enhance its local production capabilities to meet rising domestic demand and cater to export markets. OnePlus is expected to ramp up its manufacturing units in partnership with Oppo’s production facilities in India. This move will not only ensure cost efficiencies but also make its products more competitive in terms of pricing.

Boosting Research and Development (R&D):
A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to advancing R&D in India. The OnePlus R&D center in Hyderabad, already a vital hub for global innovation, will see further expansion. The focus will be on developing cutting-edge technologies in 5G, IoT, and AI to drive product innovation across smartphones, smart TVs, and wearables. The new display is set to premiere in an upcoming flagship device and is designed to excel in the harsh sunlight of India, redefining clarity, brightness, and color vibrancy.

Retail and Distribution Expansion:
OnePlus plans to strengthen its offline and online retail presence in India. The company will open more OnePlus Experience Stores in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, ensuring wider availability of its products. It will also enhance its e-commerce partnerships with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Under Project Starlight, OnePlus aims to expand its service centers by 50 per cent by mid-2026, as well as upgrade half of its flagship retail stores. The company has already increased its service centers by 22 per cent, including an 11 per cent rise in exclusive service centers directly owned by the brand in 2024. To accommodate a growing and diverse user base, OnePlus is enhancing its online service offerings, which include hotline support, WhatsApp assistance, and live chat options.

Employment Generation:
Last but not the least, the increased investment will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs across manufacturing, R&D, sales, and customer support. OnePlus aims to tap into India’s skilled workforce to drive its growth strategy further.

India has been one of the largest markets for OnePlus outside China, contributing significantly to the company’s global revenues. Over the years, OnePlus has built a strong brand reputation in India for offering premium smartphones with flagship features at competitive prices.

With India’s smartphone user base expected to cross 1 billion in the coming years, OnePlus has a massive opportunity to capture a larger share of the market.
5G Rollout: The ongoing rollout of 5G services in India presents a chance for OnePlus to introduce more 5G-enabled devices across various price segments.
Demand for Smart Ecosystems: Increasing consumer interest in IoT devices and smart home solutions opens avenues for OnePlus to expand its product ecosystem.

OnePlus’s ₹6,000 crore investment in India underscores its commitment to the Indian market and its confidence in the country’s growth potential. By focusing on manufacturing, R&D, retail expansion, and product innovation, the company aims to solidify its position as a leading technology brand in India. This move also reflects OnePlus’s broader vision of becoming a key player in the global smart ecosystem, with India serving as a strategic hub for innovation and growth. If executed effectively, this investment could not only boost OnePlus’s market share but also contribute significantly to India’s electronics manufacturing landscape, furthering the goals of "Make in India" and "Digital India."