Global Trade Wars 2026: How US-China Tariff Battles Are Secretly Making India the New Manufacturing Hub

The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have been making headlines for years, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods. However, amidst this chaos, India has been quietly emerging as a new manufacturing hub, capitalizing on the global trade wars' impact on the world economy. The "China+1" strategy, which encourages companies to diversify their supply chains beyond China, has been a boon for India, with many multinational corporations setting up shop in the country. As the global trade wars continue to escalate, India's position as a manufacturing hub is likely to strengthen, with the country's economy poised to benefit from the ongoing tensions. In this article, we will delve into the impact of the global trade wars on India, exploring which industries are benefiting from the "China+1" strategy, how the tariffs are affecting the average consumer, and India's free trade agreement (FTA) strategy with major economies.
Make in India 2.0: Which Industries Are Actually Benefiting From China+1 Strategy?
The "Make in India" initiative, launched in 2014, aimed to promote India as a manufacturing hub, with a focus on 25 key sectors, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. However, it was the "China+1" strategy that really gave the initiative a boost, as companies began to look for alternative manufacturing destinations beyond China. The electronics and electrical sector has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this strategy, with companies like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi setting up manufacturing facilities in India. The sector has seen significant growth, with exports increasing by 25% in 2025, with the value of exports reaching ₹1.35 lakh crore (approximately $18 billion USD). The pharmaceutical sector has also seen significant investment, with companies like Pfizer and Novartis setting up manufacturing facilities in India. The sector has seen a growth of 15% in 2025, with the value of exports reaching ₹1.20 lakh crore (approximately $16 billion USD). As the global trade wars continue to impact the world economy, India's manufacturing sector is likely to see further growth, with the "China+1" strategy continuing to attract investment.


