Chinese smartphone maker Huawei is likely to start manufacturing mobile phones in India from next year as it plans to open 1,000 company-branded stores across the country, The Times of India reported.

Jim Xu, Huawei's consumer business president, told the newspaper that India remains one of the most lucrative destinations globally for smartphone and electronics device makers.

The smartphone major is already present in India through its sub-brand Honor. Xu told the newspaper that now Huawei, which is currently being imported in a limited number, plans to boost up its presence, ease its availability and also help in dodging the near-20 percent duty on imported devices.

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