Qualcomm is expanding its India strategy to new growth areas including artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), automotive technology and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company expects these segments to play a key role in shaping its business over the next three years, Manmeet Singh, senior director and India business head for automotive, IoT, connectivity and broadband at Qualcomm India, told Fe.
Singh said that mobile chipsets still contribute over half of Qualcomm’s revenue, but diversification is gathering pace. “Our mobile business remains strong, but we are building a broader portfolio around auto, IoT, broadband and compute that will contribute substantially by 2028,” he said.
A major focus is on XR and smart glasses. Qualcomm’s chips already power a range of XR products and AI-driven wearables, from watches and earbuds to advanced eyewear. Singh said the next generation of smart glasses will resemble regular sunglasses but offer features like video recording, beamforming audio for music streaming and the ability to project digital content onto transparent displays. The company is also working with Indian partners to develop locally relevant XR products.
AI integration is another priority. Qualcomm’s upcoming Wi-Fi access points will use AI to manage bandwidth in real time, optimising performance for households with dozens of connected devices. “An average Indian home may soon have 30 to 35 connected devices. AI will be crucial to ensure each performs seamlessly,” Singh said.
In automotive, Qualcomm’s advanced driver-assistance systems are being adapted for Indian roads, taking into account challenges such as local traffic patterns and unpredictable conditions.
Singh added that the company’s 6G research is already underway, with early commercial activity expected around 2028. Qualcomm’s design and engineering teams in India, are spread across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Noida.
Singh said affordability remains central to the company’s India approach. “You can’t bring Western price points here. Every product, from smart meters to AI solutions, must be designed for India,” he added.