When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Make in India initiative in 2014, the goal was to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. A decade later, the program has matured into something far more nuanced: a structured pathway for foreign companies to access Indian labor markets, manufacturing capabilities, and a consumer base of 1.4 billion people.
For Texas businesses, this matters more than you might think.
25 Sectors, Endless Possibilities
Make in India covers 25 sectors, from food processing and textiles to aerospace and defense manufacturing. Texas companies in aerospace, energy, medical devices, and automotive components are particularly well-positioned. The state’s existing industrial base aligns naturally with India’s manufacturing priorities.
The Chamber works with member companies to navigate the Make in India framework. This includes identifying the right state partners in India (each state has its own investment promotion agency), understanding tax incentives, and connecting with local manufacturers for joint ventures.
Invest India: Your First Point of Contact
Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, is the formal entry point for foreign investors. The Chamber maintains an active relationship with Invest India, which means our members get guided access rather than navigating the bureaucracy alone.
Invest India helps with sector-specific investor targeting, partnership development, and coordination with subnational agencies. For a Texas company looking to set up manufacturing in India, this translates to months of saved time and significant cost avoidance.
Reverse Trade Missions
Trade flows both ways. The Chamber periodically hosts reverse trade missions, bringing Indian business delegations to Central Texas. These missions give Texas companies a chance to showcase their capabilities, explore export opportunities, and build relationships with Indian buyers without leaving home.
The most recent reverse mission brought Indian manufacturing executives to Austin for a week of site visits, networking events, and one-on-one meetings with local companies. Several partnerships emerged from those conversations, including a joint venture in medical device manufacturing.
Getting Started
If your company is considering India as a manufacturing base, export market, or partnership destination, the Chamber can help. Membership includes individualized consulting, access to trade mission delegations, and introductions to the right contacts in both Invest India and Make in India.