India has strengthened its position as a major global electronics manufacturing centre, with smartphone exports reaching $30 billion in 2025, making mobile phones the country’s largest export category, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on February 25.
Sharing the update on social media, the minister said India is rapidly becoming the “smartphone manufacturing factory for the world.” Data shows that smartphones worth $60 billion (₹5.5 lakh crore) were manufactured in India during 2025, highlighting the sector’s massive growth.
According to reports, smartphone exports had already reached around ₹2 lakh crore ($22 billion) in the 2024–25 financial year. Meanwhile, India’s total electronics exports crossed ₹4 lakh crore ($44 billion) in 2025 and are expected to grow further once four upcoming semiconductor plants begin operations.
PLI Scheme and Apple Expansion Drive Growth
Industry experts attribute the export boom largely to the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, along with global companies diversifying manufacturing away from China. Apple has played a significant role in this shift.
Currently, India hosts five iPhone assembly plants — three operated by the Tata Group and two by Foxconn — supported by a supply chain of nearly 45 companies, including several MSMEs supplying components for both domestic and international markets. Apple is also expanding its retail presence with a new store opening in Mumbai.
India Becomes Manufacturing Powerhouse
India has now become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with more than 99% of smartphones sold domestically produced within the country.
At the same time, consumer preferences are evolving. Research firm Counterpoint reported that Apple’s iPhone 16 base model became India’s best-selling smartphone in 2025.
Strong Global Performance for Apple
Apple CEO Tim Cook noted strong growth in emerging markets, particularly India, where the company recorded double-digit revenue growth and its highest-ever quarterly revenue during the December quarter. India is currently the second-largest smartphone market globally and the fourth-largest PC market, contributing significantly to Apple’s global performance.
Overall, rising exports, expanding manufacturing ecosystems, and increasing global investment indicate that India is rapidly positioning itself as a key hub in the global smartphone supply chain.
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