India-Nike Partnership May Boost Manufacturing and Local Sourcing

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urges Nike to deepen its India presence across manufacturing and local sourcing, saying the partnership can create jobs, strengthen domestic supply chains and expand opportunities for young people.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for deeper engagement between Nike and India across manufacturing, local sourcing and the broader sports ecosystem, highlighting the potential for the partnership to create jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Goyal met senior Nike executives in Milwaukee during the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting. The discussions focused on opportunities to build on Nike’s longstanding engagement with India and expand the company’s presence across manufacturing and local sourcing.

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Following the meeting, Goyal said India’s partnership with Nike could contribute to manufacturing growth, employment generation, stronger local sourcing and new opportunities for young people. He also highlighted the potential for greater collaboration in developing India’s sports ecosystem.

Goyal met Nike Chief Operating Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Chief Legal Officer Rob Leinwand and Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer Jorge Casimiro during his visit to the US. He encouraged the company to increase investments in India’s growth story and deepen its engagement with the Indian market.

The discussions come as Nike continues to expand its presence in India. The company recently announced plans to establish a new campus in Bengaluru, describing India as an important growth market and manufacturing hub. The campus is expected to support capabilities and talent across Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse and will develop over the coming years.

Nike’s India operations are also connected to a broader footwear manufacturing and sourcing ecosystem. Taiwanese supplier Feng Tay, which supplies Nike, produced 4.2 crore pairs of shoes in India in 2025, accounting for 35% of its global production, according to company data reported by The Times of India.

The Indian government has been encouraging global manufacturers to expand domestic production, develop local supplier networks and integrate Indian companies into global value chains. Goyal has separately urged US manufacturers to expand their presence in India and partner with Indian small and medium enterprises in advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation.

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The Nike engagement therefore forms part of India’s wider efforts to attract manufacturing investment and strengthen supply chain capabilities. For Nike, India is also gaining importance as both a consumer market and a base for manufacturing and talent.

Goyal said the India-Nike relationship, which developed through the sports ecosystem, now has scope to support manufacturing, local sourcing and employment while creating further opportunities for India’s young workforce.