Japanese electronic parts company TDK Corp will produce lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells for Apple iPhones in India, a big boost for Make in India and Apple's aim to manufacture iPhone components locally in India, revealed IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

This is part of Apple's continuous efforts to diversify its manufacturing base and relocate some manufacturing operations away from China, with India emerging as a key growth driver.

Apple's entry into Indian manufacturing began in 2017, first with Wistron and then with Foxconn. The tech titan presently works with 14 suppliers in India, demonstrating its commitment to the Indian market as a significant manufacturing hub.

According to Deputy Minister for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar, TDK would develop a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in the northern state of Haryana, creating several thousand job possibilities in the region.

The announcement, first reported by Business Standard on Sunday, emphasizes TDK's position as a premier Japanese electronic component and device manufacturer. According to insiders familiar with the situation, TDK will manufacture the battery cells for iPhones built in India. This strategic alignment with Apple's ambitions to diversify its supply chain is expected to boost India's position within the global production network.

Sunwoda Electronics, Apple's certified Li-ion battery assembler, will get the TDK Li-ion battery cells. Sunwoda Electronics is already active in India. Sunwoda Electronics now sources battery cells from a variety of international markets.

This relationship has the potential to streamline the supply chain for Apple's iPhone manufacture in India, thereby supporting the company's objective of sustainable and localized manufacturing.

TDK, well known for its 2005 acquisition of Hong Kong-based Li-ion battery and cell manufacturer Amperex Technology Ltd, recently purchased property in Haryana for the creation of a manufacturing unit. This plant is intended to be critical in the production of Li-ion battery cells, notably those for Apple iPhones.

Commercial production, with an emphasis on selling cells to Apple, is set to begin soon, marking a significant milestone in TDK and Apple's relationship in the Indian manufacturing scene.