On his 75th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi can reflect on a decade of transformative policies that have propelled India’s electronics sector to new heights. Since 2014, the government’s strategic initiatives have reshaped the landscape of mobile phone manufacturing, turning India into a global powerhouse.
The shift towards domestic production has been nothing short of revolutionary. Key government policies have incentivized both domestic and international players to invest in India’s manufacturing capabilities. This has resulted in a surge in the number of mobile phone factories, from a mere two in 2014 to over 300 today.
The impact of these policies is evident in the numbers: a massive increase in mobile phone manufacturing value and a corresponding rise in exports. India is now a significant exporter, meeting both domestic and international demand. This transformation has not only bolstered the electronics sector but also created millions of employment opportunities.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have played pivotal roles in this success story. The PLI scheme has attracted major tech companies, including Apple and Samsung, to set up manufacturing units in India. The focus on domestic production has solidified India’s position as a key player in the global mobile phone market.
India’s mobile phone manufacturing value rose substantially from ₹18,900 crore in FY14 to ₹4,22,000 crore in FY24 and exports which were negligible in 2014, have now crossed ₹1,29,000 crore.