India has achieved a major economic milestone as smartphones became the country’s largest export commodity in FY25. According to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), exports soared past Rs 2,00,000 crore — a record-breaking 55 percent growth from the previous year. This development signals India’s increasing dominance in the global mobile manufacturing space.
Make in India Reaches New Heights
The total mobile phone production for FY25 stood at Rs 5,25,000 crore, significantly higher than Rs 4,22,000 crore in FY24. This surge reflects the strong impact of the Make in India movement and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The initiative has not only built scale but also attracted major global investments, boosting India’s status as a reliable electronics manufacturing hub.
PLI Scheme: The Game Changer
ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo credited the success to the well-executed PLI scheme. He noted that it played a vital role in building scale, enhancing competitiveness, and helping India integrate into Global Value Chains (GVCs). The scheme has effectively turned India into one of the fastest-growing mobile manufacturing countries in the world.
Global Giants Fuel Export Growth
Tech leaders like Apple and Samsung have expanded their manufacturing operations in India, leading the export momentum. Their contribution is instrumental in scaling India’s manufacturing capabilities, and in opening up new global markets for Indian-made electronics.
Building a Self-Reliant Component Ecosystem
With annual mobile production reaching Rs 5.25 lakh crore, there is now a clear need to develop a strong domestic component ecosystem. Mohindroo stressed the importance of building a long-term, sustainable manufacturing base that can anchor India’s leadership in the global electronics market.
India Eyes Global Electronics Leadership
Changing global trade dynamics and new opportunities, particularly in the US market, position India strategically. The long-term vision is to make India the preferred global electronics supplier — a natural partner for international tech brands looking for scale, quality, and reliability.
