By Saurav Mehra No, Redmi is not an Indian company; it is a Chinese smartphone and consumer-electronics brand. The brand has built an impressive presence in India by offering feature-rich smartphones at prices suitable for budget-conscious customers.
Redmi is owned by Xiaomi Corporation, a Chinese technology company headquartered in Beijing. Although nearly all Redmi smartphones sold in India are now manufactured locally, the brand’s origin, ownership and global corporate control remain Chinese.
Quick Overview of Redmi
| Particular | Details |
| Brand Name | Redmi |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Became a Separate Sub-brand | 2019 |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Parent Company | Xiaomi Corporation |
| Parent Company Founder | Lei Jun |
| Global Headquarters | Beijing, China |
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Indian Company | Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited |
| India Entry | 2014 |
| Operating System | Android-based Xiaomi HyperOS |
| Main Products | Smartphones, tablets, televisions, earbuds and smartwatches |
| Popular Series | Redmi Note, Redmi Number and Redmi A Series |
About Redmi
Redmi is a Chinese consumer-technology brand primarily known for affordable Android smartphones. It was created by Xiaomi to serve budget and mid-range customers who want useful specifications without paying premium prices.
The Redmi A Series generally targets entry-level users, while the regular Redmi Number Series offers affordable everyday smartphones. The Redmi Note Series is positioned in the competitive mid-range category and often includes better cameras, faster processors, larger batteries and improved displays.
Redmi also sells televisions, tablets, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, power banks and other connected devices in selected markets. These products form part of Xiaomi’s wider smart-device ecosystem.
How Did Redmi Begin?
Xiaomi introduced Redmi in China in July 2013 as a budget smartphone product line. Its first devices became popular because they combined competitive hardware with relatively low prices.
The brand subsequently expanded into India and other international markets. Redmi phones played an important role in Xiaomi’s rapid growth in India, especially through online sales and value-focused models.
In January 2019, Xiaomi reorganised Redmi as a separate sub-brand. The objective was to give Redmi a clearer identity focused on affordable and mid-range devices, while the main Xiaomi brand gradually concentrated more on premium smartphones and advanced technology.
However, becoming a separate sub-brand did not make Redmi an independent or Indian company. It remains fully connected to Xiaomi Corporation.
Who Owns Redmi?
Redmi is owned by Xiaomi Corporation, a publicly listed Chinese multinational technology company. Xiaomi was established in Beijing in 2010 by Lei Jun and several co-founders.
Lei Jun serves as Xiaomi’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer. Xiaomi’s major management, research, product planning and global business decisions are centred in China.
Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited manages the sale, distribution, marketing and service operations of Xiaomi and Redmi products in India. It is an Indian-registered subsidiary but does not own the global Redmi brand.
Therefore, Redmi is controlled by its Chinese parent even though it has significant Indian operations.
Are Redmi Smartphones Manufactured in India?
Yes, almost all Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones sold in India are manufactured or assembled within the country through local electronics-manufacturing partners.
Xiaomi began manufacturing smartphones in India during 2014–15. Since then, it has worked with manufacturing companies to increase domestic production of phones, televisions, power banks, tablets and selected wearable devices.
By 2026, Xiaomi reported that nearly 100% of its smartphones and tablets sold in India were manufactured locally. The company has also increased local sourcing of batteries, chargers, covers, cables and plastic components.
However, important parts such as processors, advanced displays, camera sensors and memory chips may still be imported because India’s component-manufacturing ecosystem is still developing.
A “Made in India” label indicates the phone’s manufacturing or assembly location. It does not mean that Redmi’s brand ownership has become Indian.
Why Do People Think Redmi Is an Indian Company?
Redmi phones are extremely popular in India and are designed with Indian customers’ budgets and preferences in mind. The brand runs India-focused advertising campaigns and sells products through physical retailers and reputed ecommerce platforms.
Its local manufacturing, Indian employees, service centres and long market presence create a strong connection with the country. Redmi phones may also carry Indian manufacturing details on their packaging.
These factors can make the brand appear Indian, but they represent local operations rather than local ownership.
Why Is Redmi Not Considered an Indian Company?
A brand’s nationality is generally determined by its origin, parent company, headquarters and corporate control. Redmi was launched in China and is owned by Beijing-based Xiaomi Corporation.
India is one of Redmi’s largest markets and an important manufacturing base. Nevertheless, Redmi is a Chinese brand with extensive manufacturing and business operations in India, not an Indian company.