China’s Cosmx Partners Munoth Industries to Localise Lithium-Ion Cell Supply in India – EQ
In Short : Chinese battery pack supplier Cosmx has entered a joint venture with Munoth Industries to source lithium-ion cells within India. The collaboration aims to strengthen local supply chains for smartphone and electronics manufacturers while reducing dependence on imports. The JV will include technology transfer, regulatory approvals under FDI norms, and potential production starting in 2026.
In Detail : China’s Cosmx, one of the world’s largest suppliers of battery packs for smartphones, has entered into a joint venture with Chennai-based Munoth Industries to source lithium-ion cells domestically in India. The partnership marks a strategic shift toward local manufacturing as companies look to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on imported battery cells. The move also reflects growing collaboration between Indian manufacturers and global battery technology providers.
The joint venture is expected to support Cosmx’s broader strategy of expanding its footprint in India and serving Chinese smartphone manufacturers operating in the country. By sourcing lithium-ion cells locally, the company aims to improve supply stability, reduce logistics costs, and align with India’s push for domestic electronics manufacturing. The partnership is also expected to enhance availability of battery components for consumer electronics production.
Under the initial structure, Cosmx plans to take a minority stake in the cell manufacturing facility while Munoth Industries will lead local production. The collaboration is expected to include technology transfer from the Chinese partner, enabling advanced lithium-ion cell manufacturing capabilities in India. This approach allows Cosmx to expand without setting up a wholly owned plant, while leveraging local manufacturing approvals already secured by Munoth.
The companies are expected to seek regulatory approvals under India’s foreign investment rules, particularly those governing investments from neighboring countries. The approval process is likely to involve detailed government review, after which the JV plans to begin production, potentially starting in the September quarter of 2026. This timeline reflects both regulatory clearance requirements and project readiness.
The partnership comes at a time when global lithium-ion battery supply chains are tightening and countries are focusing on local manufacturing. China’s export controls on advanced battery technologies have also encouraged companies to establish overseas production capabilities. Local cell sourcing in India can help mitigate supply risks and support domestic electronics and energy storage manufacturing growth.
Munoth Industries already has approvals under India’s Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, which supports domestic production of key electronics components including battery cells. The JV will build on these approvals to scale manufacturing and supply cells for mobile devices, wearables, and other consumer electronics. This strengthens India’s position in the battery value chain beyond assembly into cell-level manufacturing.
The collaboration also reflects rising demand for lithium-ion batteries driven by smartphones, wearables, and portable electronics manufacturing in India. Local production is expected to reduce dependence on imports and support the government’s push for electronics self-reliance. It may also create opportunities for future expansion into energy storage and electric mobility segments.
With this joint venture, Cosmx aims to deepen its presence in India while Munoth Industries gains access to advanced battery technology and global customers. The partnership signals increasing international collaboration in India’s battery ecosystem and highlights the growing importance of local lithium-ion cell manufacturing in supporting electronics and clean energy growth.
