When Cisco’s CEO Chuck Robbins calls India “one of the biggest opportunities in the world” and commits to continued investment despite global uncertainties, you’re witnessing how US tech giants are doubling down on India as their strategic growth engine.
Cisco’s expansion from a single manufacturing product to three products plus PCB assemblies, alongside their push into AI infrastructure services, shows exactly how global networking leaders are leveraging India not just as a manufacturing hub but as a critical market for next-generation data center and AI infrastructure!
What is the news?
- Cisco Systems continues aggressive investment in India, expanding manufacturing operations under ‘Make in India’ with plans to produce $1.3 billion worth of products for domestic consumption and exports within two years, while employing over 15,000 individuals.
- The company has extended its portfolio to include AI infrastructure-as-a-service (AI-IaaS) and is positioning to capitalize on massive AI-centric data center buildouts.
- CEO Chuck Robbins has stated that India represents unprecedented growth opportunities over the next 5-10 years.
Why is it interesting?
- Cisco’s expansion into AI-IaaS and their focus on ‘future-proofing’ data centers for AI workloads positions them to capture the rapidly growing demand for AI infrastructure. With annual revenue of $53.80 billion and $615,299 revenue per employee (outpacing rivals like HPE, Nokia, Huawei), Cisco’s commitment to enabling “next-generation data center centers in India” shows how global infrastructure leaders view India as critical for AI adoption.
- Cisco’s evolution from single-product manufacturing to three products plus PCB assemblies demonstrates how US multinationals are building integrated India strategies. Their 30-year presence, combined with expanded local manufacturing capabilities and AI infrastructure services, creates a comprehensive approach that serves both domestic demand and export markets while positioning for India’s digital transformation.
Read more: India’s growth opportunity unparallel, to continue investments: Cisco chairman – The Economic Times