India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in mobile phone manufacturing, achieving a near-complete shift to local production. According to the latest update from the Ministry of Electronics & IT, 99.2% of mobile phones sold in India are now made domestically, a stark contrast to a decade ago when the country relied heavily on imports.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed India’s significant strides in electronics and mobile manufacturing, emphasizing the role of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in this rapid growth.
From Imports to Independence: India’s Mobile Manufacturing Growth
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturing hub, showcasing an extraordinary growth trajectory:
- In 2014-15, only 26% of mobile phones sold in India were locally made, with the majority being imported.
- By 2024, this figure has surged to 99.2%, signifying India’s dominance in mobile manufacturing.
- The financial value of India’s mobile phone production skyrocketed from Rs. 18,900 crore in FY14 to Rs. 4,22,000 crore in FY24.
- India now manufactures between 325 and 330 million mobile phones annually, serving its domestic market and fueling an export boom.
- Mobile phone exports have surpassed Rs. 1,29,000 crore, compared to virtually zero in 2014.
Electronics Manufacturing: A Decade of Job Creation
The expansion in mobile and electronics manufacturing has significantly contributed to job creation in India:
- Over 12 lakh jobs have been generated in the past decade, boosting the economy and improving livelihoods.
- A vast number of skilled and semi-skilled workers have found employment in mobile phone production units, component manufacturing, and R&D centers.
Strengthening Domestic Production of Components
The ‘Make in India’ initiative has encouraged local production of crucial mobile components:
- Basic Components: Chargers, battery packs, USB cables, and mechanical parts.
- Advanced Components: Lithium-ion cells, speakers, microphones, display assemblies, and camera modules.
This shift has not only reduced import dependency but has also encouraged foreign investment in India’s component ecosystem.
Advancing India’s Electronics Manufacturing: Focus on Semiconductors
Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized India’s next big move—deepening its electronics manufacturing value chain by focusing on semiconductor production.
India’s Semiconductor Mission: Key Projects in Progress
To strengthen India’s position as a global electronics hub, the India Semiconductor Mission has initiated five key projects:
- Micron – Setting up a semiconductor fabrication unit.
- Tata Electronics – Two major semiconductor projects.
- CG Power – Investing in chip production.
- Keynes – Developing advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The historical restrictive policies (1950-1990) slowed manufacturing growth, but today, ‘Make in India’ is actively driving India towards self-reliance in semiconductors.
Make in India: Reshaping the Economy
The success of ‘Make in India’ extends beyond mobile phones, revolutionizing multiple sectors:
- Toys: A 239% increase in exports has significantly reduced dependence on imports.
- Defense Equipment: Domestic manufacturing is strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
- EV Motors & Textiles: Indian products are gaining global recognition, boosting MSMEs and exports.
India’s Vision for a Developed Nation by 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Motion of Thanks speech in the Lok Sabha, underscored:
- The dream of a developed India by 2047, coinciding with 100 years of independence.
- The collective aspiration of 140 crore Indians to build a modern, self-reliant nation.
- The role of innovation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship in shaping India’s future.
The Indian government’s policies, coupled with industry growth, have propelled the country into a manufacturing powerhouse. The achievement of 99.2% locally made mobile phones marks a pivotal milestone, setting the stage for continued innovation, job creation, and global exports.
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