Smartphone manufacturer Nothing will operate its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF as an independent Indian subsidiary. India has been selected as a global hub for manufacturing, operations, and research. Nothing has announced a joint venture with Indian electronics company Optiemus Infracom. Following this partnership, India will become the central location for the production and export of products from both Nothing and CMF.
Nothing’s CEO, Carl Pei, shared a post on X, featuring a picture of his meeting with India’s Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw. Discussions included the expansion of Nothing and CMF in India. Pei stated that India is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry.
The company plans to invest $100 million (approximately 887.77 crore) jointly with Optiemus Infracom, which will generate over 1800 new job opportunities in India over the next three years, boosting employment prospects in the country. Nothing has already invested over $200 million (1775 crore) in India, reflecting the country’s significance in the company’s growth strategy. CMF, launched in 2023, has established a market presence in the budget smartphone and wearables segment with smartphones priced under $200. According to IDC data, more than 42% of phones sold in India in the second quarter of 2025 were in the $100-$200 range. This joint venture will be a significant milestone in making CMF India’s first global smartphone brand.