India’s mobile revolution powers electronics boom and digital transformation
Digital platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar-enabled services have extended access to remote regions, enabling seamless transactions and access to government programs. In rural areas, smartphones connect farmers with markets and weather updates, while urban populations benefit from e-commerce, logistics, and thriving startup ecosystems.
Over the past decade, India has undergone a technological and industrial revolution, with mobile phones emerging as the centerpiece of its electronics surge and digital transformation. The country has shifted from being a major importer of electronic goods to becoming a global hub for electronics and mobile manufacturing.
Electronics output in India has skyrocketed nearly six-fold, from $21 billion in FY 2015 to $128 billion in FY 2025. This dramatic growth reflects a maturing ecosystem supported by favorable government policies, advanced technological capabilities, a skilled workforce, and strong international investor confidence.
The sector has also become a major employment driver, generating around 2.5 million jobs over the last decade. Today, India’s electronics manufacturing industry stands as a pillar of inclusive economic growth, contributing significantly to the nation’s development.
Government initiatives have played a key role in this expansion. Programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2019, and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) have attracted global players while fostering domestic innovation and scaling production.
Smartphones have catalyzed India’s digitalization, with more than 85% of households owning at least one device. Affordable handsets, low-cost data, and expanding digital infrastructure have enabled millions of Indians to participate in the digital economy.
Digital platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar-enabled services have extended access to remote regions, enabling seamless transactions and access to government programs. In rural areas, smartphones connect farmers with markets and weather updates, while urban populations benefit from e-commerce, logistics, and thriving startup ecosystems.
India’s mobile production has seen a staggering rise, from $2 billion in 2014–15 to $62 billion in 2024–25, making the country the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer. The manufacturing ecosystem has expanded from just two units in 2014 to over 300 today, producing nearly 330 million devices annually.
Exports have soared as well. Mobile phone exports increased 127-fold, from $171 million in 2014–15 to $22 billion in 2024–25. Apple alone contributed nearly half of this value, with iPhone exports reaching $12.8 billion in 2024, underscoring India’s growing global competitiveness.
Electronics exports as a whole climbed from $43 billion in 2014–15 to $37 billion in 2024–25, making the sector India’s third-largest export category. India has achieved near self-reliance in mobile production and became the top smartphone exporter to the United States in Q2 FY 2025–26.
The industry’s growth is further supported by policy measures such as the PLI scheme, SPECS, and ECMS, which provide financial incentives, reduce import dependence, and encourage semiconductor and component production, strengthening the domestic ecosystem.
The National Policy on Electronics 2019 has also emphasized design-led innovation and research, encouraged higher value-added manufacturing and ensured India’s long-term competitiveness in electronics.
India’s “Made in India” brand is gaining global recognition across markets including the United States, UAE, Netherlands, UK, and Italy. Global companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Foxconn have expanded production in India, driving technology transfer, employment, and ecosystem development.
The electronics and mobile revolution align with India’s national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (developed India by 2047), reducing import dependence, expanding exports, creating jobs, and fostering technological self-reliance.
Supported by initiatives like Digital India and Make in India, this revolution reflects India’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and self-belief. The transition from importing mobile phones to exporting billions of dollars’ worth of devices showcases the success of India’s development model.
Looking ahead, India is aiming to build a $500 billion electronics manufacturing ecosystem by 2030–31. Emphasizing innovation, design, and next-generation technologies, mobile phones will continue to symbolize empowerment and global competitiveness, driving the country toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
