Sourcing Agents in India: What to Know Before You Start
If you’re planning to start sourcing products from India, you’re probably wondering whether you need a sourcing agent and how to choose the right one. The role of sourcing agents in India has become more important than ever as global companies diversify supply chains and seek alternatives to China.
In this article, we’ll explain what a sourcing agent does, why India is a strong choice for global sourcing, and how a partner like India2West can help you source smarter, faster, and more reliably.
What Does a Sourcing Agent in India Do?
A sourcing agent in India helps international buyers find, vet, and work with local manufacturers. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Identifying trustworthy factories
- Negotiating prices and payment terms
- Conducting factory audits and quality inspections
- Coordinating logistics and production timelines
- Managing communication and solving issues on the ground
- Good sourcing agents act as your local team in India, making the entire process more efficient and reducing risk.
Why Businesses Are Sourcing from India
1. Diversifying Supply Chains
With rising costs, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainties in China, companies are adopting a “China+1” strategy—keeping some operations in China while expanding into countries like India.
2. Government Incentives
India’s Make in India campaign and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes have boosted sectors like electronics, textiles, solar panels, and manufacturing.
3. Cost Advantages
Manufacturing wages in India are generally lower than in China, giving companies a cost advantage.
According to Statista, India’s average manufacturing wages in 2023 were under $250/month, compared to over $600 in China.
4. English Communication & Legal Framework
India’s workforce is largely English-speaking, and its legal system is based on common law, which is familiar to many Western businesses.
Why Work With India2West?
At India2West, we’re more than just a sourcing agent — we’re a Western-managed, on-the-ground partner with a proven track record.
Our background in China sourcing since 2005 gives us a deep understanding of global manufacturing. As more clients have looked to diversify into India, we’ve built an experienced local team and a vetted network of suppliers across key sectors.
We help clients with:
- Supplier identification & audits
- Price negotiation & production oversight
- Quality control & logistics coordination
- Multi-country sourcing strategies
Our Indian operations follow the same high standards we’ve delivered in China — reliable, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
Learn more about our product sourcing services in India
What Industries Can You Source from India?
India excels in:
- Textiles and Apparel
- Home Decor and Handicrafts
- Metal and Steel Products
- Solar Panels and Renewable Energy Components
- Machinery and Industrial Parts
- Leather Goods and Accessories
How to Choose the Right Sourcing Agent
Experience
Look for agents who understand India’s supply chain, factory culture, and production timelines.
Transparency
Choose an agent who provides upfront costs, clear communication, and regular updates.
In-House Quality Control
Many agents outsource QC. At India2West, we manage it internally for better reliability.
Western Management
Understanding the expectations of Western clients is critical — and that’s a core part of India2West’s DNA.
Final Thoughts
Working with the right sourcing agent in India can make a huge difference in quality, pricing, and delivery timelines. With the global shift toward diversified sourcing strategies, India is quickly becoming a preferred destination — but success depends on having the right partner on the ground.
India2West brings nearly two decades of experience, local expertise, and a reliable supplier network to help you source with confidence.