China's Xiaomi Corp and Oppo are importing some smartphone models into India as their local plants struggle to get back to production levels needed to meet demand that built up during lockdown, sources familiar with matter said. 
The move is a costly one as the world`s second-largest smartphone market imposes steep tariffs on imports of devices and components - part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s push to boost manufacturing in India. Most foreign brands in India make nearly all of their smartphones locally.

It also underscores the challenges India faces in kick-starting production as new coronavirus cases soar to nearly 300,000 while more than 8,000 people have died.

Manufacturing facilities in India have been allowed since May to resume operations but several smartphone plants are still grappling with labour shortages, three sources told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zoom-shuts-account-of-us-based-chinese-dissidents-after-tiananmen-anniversary-meeting-304999">Also read:&nbsp;Zoom shuts account of US-based Chinese dissidents after Tiananmen anniversary meeting</a>

At the same time, demand is high because phones - not deemed essential goods by the government - were not allowed to be sold during the nationwide lockdown of nearly two months.

The bulk of the Xiaomi smartphones sold in India are made by contract manufacturer Foxconn in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while Oppo assembles its India-made phones at a plant on the outskirts of New Delhi.

It was not immediately clear how many phones the Chinese brands are now importing, the sources added, declining to be identified as they were not authorised to discuss the matter with media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-rolls-out-cheaper-iphone-as-pandemic-curbs-spending-292856">Also read:&nbsp;Apple rolls out cheaper iPhone as pandemic curbs spending</a>

"This is purely to take care of the demand that is there and the fact that they (Xiaomi) are not able to produce to meet demand," one of the sources said, adding the imports were a short-term measure until production and distribution gets back to normal.

Xiaomi did not respond to a request for comment and Foxconn declined to comment.

Oppo`s plant, which also makes phones for the OnePlus and Realme brands owned by common parent BBK Electronics, reopened with reduced staffing on May 7. But it had to close again for more than a week after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus.

In a few instances, staff at Oppo and other smartphone plants have either resigned or not shown up for work for fear of contracting the virus on assembly lines where people work closely, sources said.

"My father said if you live, you`ll find another job," one worker who recently resigned from the Oppo factory told Reuters, asking not to be named.

Oppo India declined to comment.

The production woes have meant delays to sales plans.

OnePlus, which competes with Apple Inc in India`s $400-plus smartphone segment, has had to stagger sales of its latest model on Amazon`s India website.

Realme said in an emailed statement it has been challenging to meet market demand due to supply chain disruptions and "limited production capabilities".

It added it would not risk the health of factory workers by ramping up production quickly and that it expected to be at normal manufacturing capacity by the end of July.

China's Xiaomi Corp and Oppo are importing some smartphone models into India as their local plants struggle to get back to production levels needed to meet demand that built up during lockdown, sources familiar with matter said.

China's Xiaomi Corp and Oppo are importing some smartphone models into India as their local plants struggle to get back to production levels needed to meet demand that built up during lockdown, sources familiar with matter said. The move is a costly one as the world`s second-largest smartphone market imposes steep tariffs on imports of devices and components - part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s push to boost manufacturing in India. Most foreign brands in India make nearly all of their smartphones locally. It also underscores the challenges India faces in kick-starting production as new coronavirus cases soar to nearly 300,000 while more than 8,000 people have died. Manufacturing facilities in India have been allowed since May to resume operations but several smartphone plants are still grappling with labour shortages, three sources told Reuters. Also read: Zoom shuts account of US-based Chinese dissidents after Tiananmen anniversary meeting At the same time, demand is high because phones - not deemed essential goods by the government - were not allowed to be sold during the nationwide lockdown of nearly two months. The bulk of the Xiaomi smartphones sold in India are made by contract manufacturer Foxconn in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while Oppo assembles its India-made phones at a plant on the outskirts of New Delhi. It was not immediately clear how many phones the Chinese brands are now importing, the sources added, declining to be identified as they were not authorised to discuss the matter with media. Also read: Apple rolls out cheaper iPhone as pandemic curbs spending "This is purely to take care of the demand that is there and the fact that they (Xiaomi) are not able to produce to meet demand," one of the sources said, adding the imports were a short-term measure until production and distribution gets back to normal. Xiaomi did not respond to a request for comment and Foxconn declined to comment. Oppo`s plant, which also makes phones for the OnePlus and Realme brands owned by common parent BBK Electronics, reopened with reduced staffing on May 7. But it had to close again for more than a week after several workers tested positive for the coronavirus. In a few instances, staff at Oppo and other smartphone plants have either resigned or not shown up for work for fear of contracting the virus on assembly lines where people work closely, sources said. "My father said if you live, you`ll find another job," one worker who recently resigned from the Oppo factory told Reuters, asking not to be named. Oppo India declined to comment. The production woes have meant delays to sales plans. OnePlus, which competes with Apple Inc in India`s $400-plus smartphone segment, has had to stagger sales of its latest model on Amazon`s India website. Realme said in an emailed statement it has been challenging to meet market demand due to supply chain disruptions and "limited production capabilities". It added it would not risk the health of factory workers by ramping up production quickly and that it expected to be at normal manufacturing capacity by the end of July.

China's Xiaomi, Oppo turn to expensive smartphone imports for India market as plants struggle: sources

Microsoft Corporation has partnered with Chines electronic and software company Xiaomi to work together on cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, and hardware.

Under the signed memorandum of understanding, Microsoft has allowed Xiaomi to use its computing products including Azure, to develop phones, laptops, and other smart devices.

The move by Microsoft to collaborate with the Chinese company is expected to work in favour of Microsoft as it will give more reach and access to the Chinese market to an American company.

Currently focused on the Asia Pacific, Xiaomi will also be expanding its reach to West market as well.

According to reports both&nbsp;companies are also holding discussions to integrate Cortana, Microsoft&#39;s AI assistant currently struggling to compete with other AI assistants, with Mi AI speaker.

In 2017 Xiaomi was world&#39;s fifth most popular smartphone company trailing Apple and Samsung.

Earlier in 2015, Microsoft had signed a deal with Xiaomi to tests its Windows 10 on Xiaomi devices.

Microsoft had some major stumbles in recent time as they officially announced to end support for windows phone in 2017.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Microsoft has allowed Xiaomi to use its computing products including Azure, to develop phones, laptops, and other smart devices

Microsoft Corporation has partnered with Chines electronic and software company Xiaomi to work together on cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, and hardware. Under the signed memorandum of understanding, Microsoft has allowed Xiaomi to use its computing products including Azure, to develop phones, laptops, and other smart devices. The move by Microsoft to collaborate with the Chinese company is expected to work in favour of Microsoft as it will give more reach and access to the Chinese market to an American company. Currently focused on the Asia Pacific, Xiaomi will also be expanding its reach to West market as well. According to reports both companies are also holding discussions to integrate Cortana, Microsoft's AI assistant currently struggling to compete with other AI assistants, with Mi AI speaker. In 2017 Xiaomi was world's fifth most popular smartphone company trailing Apple and Samsung. Earlier in 2015, Microsoft had signed a deal with Xiaomi to tests its Windows 10 on Xiaomi devices. Microsoft had some major stumbles in recent time as they officially announced to end support for windows phone in 2017.

Microsoft, Xiaomi collaborate to make AI powered speakers and smartphones

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China's Xiaomi, Oppo turn to expensive smartphone imports for India market as plants struggle: sources

Microsoft, Xiaomi collaborate to make AI powered speakers and smartphones