India has reached a big milestone in technology. it is now the world’s second-largest maker of mobile phones, just after China. This means India makes more phones than most other countries. The success comes from the government’s “Make in India” plan, special support programs like the PLI scheme, and the fast growth of India’s electronics industry.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that India now makes six times more electronics than it did before. India has also become the world’s second-biggest country for making mobile phones — just behind China
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The Journey from 2014 to 2025
- In 2014, India had only two mobile manufacturing units.
- By 2025, the country boasts over 300 factories, producing nearly 99.2% of all mobile phones sold domestically.
- Electronics production has grown sixfold in 11 years, while exports have increased eightfold.
- India exported ₹1.29 lakh crore worth of electronics in 2024, making electronics the third-largest export category.
Factors Behind the Success
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Attracted global giants and boosted local assembly.
- Government Push for Self-Reliance: Policies ensured that India reduced dependence on imports.
- Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem: Investments in chip and component manufacturing are laying the foundation for long-term growth.
- Skilled Workforce: Over 1.3 lakh direct jobs created in the mobile manufacturing sector.
Global Impact
India’s rise as a mobile manufacturing hub strengthens its position in global supply chains. With smartphones being one of the most consumed electronics worldwide, India’s role ensures:
- Greater bargaining power in international trade.
- Reduced reliance on imports for domestic demand.
- A boost to its reputation as a tech-driven economy.
Challenges Ahead
While the achievement is historic, India must overcome:
- Semiconductor dependency: most advanced chips are still imported.
- Global competition: Vietnam and other countries are aggressively expanding.
- Supply chain resilience: ensuring raw materials and components are locally available.
Conclusion
India’s emergence as the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer is more than just a statistic. it’s a symbol of transformation. From being a mobile consumer market to becoming a global production powerhouse, India has shown how policy, innovation, and demand can reshape an industry.
This milestone is a steppingstone toward India’s ambition of becoming a global electronics hub, with semiconductors and advanced technologies forming the next frontier.
