Keysight Technologies has become the first test and measurement company to begin manufacturing in India, with the start of production at its Chennai facility that will serve both domestic and global markets.

Announcing the development, Sudhir Tangri, Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific, Keysight Technologies, said the move marks a structural shift not just for the company but for India’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.

“We are the first test and measurement company manufacturing hardware products in India. These products are meant for Indian customers as well as for export to global markets,” Tangri said.

The Chennai unit is Keysight’s fifth manufacturing facility globally, joining sites in the United States, Germany, China and Malaysia. The company has begun production with a digital acquisition module and plans to expand its product portfolio over time.

For Keysight, which has had a presence in India for over four decades with a strong R&D base, the move represents a transition into end-to-end manufacturing in a segment defined by complexity and precision.

“This is low-volume, high-mix manufacturing. It is very different from consumer electronics. The real value lies in calibration and measurement accuracy. You have to ensure that what you measure remains consistent under all conditions,” Tangri said.

Automotive–Electronics Convergence

The timing of the investment is significant as India’s automotive industry undergoes a rapid transition towards electrification, connectivity and software-defined vehicles, increasing reliance on advanced electronics and validation tools.

Tangri said the convergence of semiconductors, telecom and digital infrastructure is reshaping multiple sectors, including mobility. “Semiconductors are foundational to everything, whether it is digital transformation, defence or mobility. If supply is disrupted, everything stops. That is why building capabilities locally has become critical,” he said.

As vehicles integrate advanced driver assistance systems, high-speed connectivity and complex electronic architectures, the need for precise testing and validation is becoming central to product development and manufacturing.

Keysight’s solutions are used across the lifecycle, from chip design and electronic systems to network validation, positioning it as a key enabler in the automotive electronics value chain.

“We are working across the ecosystem, including automotive, telecom and data centres. As vehicles become more connected and software-driven, the role of validation and testing becomes even more critical,” Tangri said.

India’s Manufacturing Inflection Point

Tangri also pointed to a broader shift underway in India’s industrial journey, where policy push, innovation and scale are converging.

“For many years, India had strong R&D and innovation, but manufacturing did not scale the way we expected. Today, we are at a pivotal moment where innovation, policy and scale are coming together,” he said.

The company’s India operations already include a significant R&D presence, with engineers contributing to global product development across areas such as electronic design automation, network testing and cybersecurity.

From Local Demand to Global Supply

The Chennai facility will carry out end-to-end manufacturing, including component sourcing, PCB assembly, calibration, testing and final shipment, with products destined for both domestic use and exports.

“What we are building here is made in India, made for the world, with the same global precision and without any compromise,” Tangri said.

The move reflects a broader shift in India’s electronics ecosystem as it moves beyond assembly-led growth towards high-value, precision manufacturing, a transition that is increasingly relevant for sectors such as automotive where electronics content continues to rise rapidly.