> just assemble from knockdown kits Assemble, yes, but a lot of the components also come from India. Xiaomi, for example, source 65% of their components from I

> just assemble from knockdown kits Assemble, yes, but a lot of the components also come from India. Xiaomi, for example, source 65% of their components from India itself. Of course, the really important parts like the processor, screen, camera, etc probably come from elsewhere because AFAIK they are not made in India yet. > circumvent India's tarrifs Adding those tariffs was intentional and part of the "Make in India" initiative. IIRC customs duty on a phone was 1% a few years back but it is now 21%. > I see more of them going for a more complete assembly in a few years time. Yes, very likely. Even with automobiles, initially only assembly was done in India, but over time an entire ecosystem of industries making many of the required components spawned here.