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A decade ago, India was overwhelmingly dependent on imports to meet its mobile phone demand. The sight of "Made in China" labels on smartphones was the norm, and local production was almost non-existent. But fast forward to 2024, and the transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the country has evolved into a global mobile manufacturing powerhouse, positioning itself as the world’s second-largest producer of mobile phones.
This success story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how India turned around its industrial landscape, created millions of jobs, and reduced dependency on imports. So, what changed in these ten years? How did India go from having just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 300 in 2024? TICE breaks it down for you.
From Two to 300: India’s Unbelievable Manufacturing Growth
When the ‘Make in India’ initiative was launched in 2014, India’s mobile manufacturing ecosystem was almost non-existent. The country had only two mobile manufacturing units, with a heavy reliance on imports for both finished products and components.
However, driven by strong policy support, incentives, and a vision to become self-reliant, India witnessed a manufacturing boom. Today, there are over 300 mobile manufacturing units operating in the country, and the shift is evident—India now produces 99.2% of its mobile phones domestically, up from just 26% in 2014.
The impact of this growth is reflected in the sheer value of production. In FY14, India’s mobile phone production stood at ₹18,900 crore. By FY24, this number had skyrocketed to a staggering ₹4,22,000 crore—a phenomenal rise that highlights the scale of India’s manufacturing transformation.
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The Export Boom: India Goes Global
A decade ago, India was barely exporting mobile phones. The industry was largely import-driven, with negligible outbound shipments. But with aggressive policy pushes and the rise of domestic manufacturing, mobile phone exports have become a significant contributor to India's economy.
In FY24, India’s mobile phone exports crossed ₹1,29,000 crore, a feat that was unimaginable ten years ago. This not only strengthens India's position in global trade but also contributes to foreign exchange earnings, reinforcing India's economic resilience.
Leading global smartphone brands such as Apple and Samsung are now leveraging India as a key manufacturing hub. Apple, in particular, has made a strategic shift by ramping up iPhone production in India, reducing its dependence on China and solidifying India’s place in the global supply chain.
Job Creation and Economic Growth: The Human Impact
Beyond numbers and statistics, the ‘Make in India’ revolution in mobile manufacturing has significantly boosted employment. Over the past decade, the sector has generated approximately 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs, empowering local communities and fueling economic growth.
From factory workers assembling mobile components to engineers designing indigenous solutions, the industry has opened up opportunities across skill levels. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have also thrived, supplying crucial components like chargers, batteries, USB cables, and display modules—products that were previously imported.
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Deepening the Value Chain: India’s Semiconductor Push
While India has successfully mastered mobile phone assembly and component production, the next big challenge is semiconductors—the backbone of modern electronics.
For decades, India lagged in semiconductor manufacturing, relying heavily on imports. But with the growing demand for self-sufficiency, the country is now making significant strides to develop its own semiconductor ecosystem.
The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has gained momentum, with five major projects approved, including investments from Micron, Tata Electronics, CG Power, and Keynes. These projects are expected to establish India as a global player in semiconductor manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that India is focusing on moving deeper into the value chain. "From mobile phones to semiconductors, we are working towards a self-sufficient India, ensuring that critical components are manufactured domestically," he stated.
Beyond Mobile Phones: ‘Make in India’ Fuels a New Era of Manufacturing
The success of ‘Make in India’ in mobile manufacturing has created a ripple effect across industries. The initiative is no longer just about electronics—it’s about transforming India's entire manufacturing ecosystem.
From toys to defence equipment, electric vehicle motors to consumer electronics, India is increasingly shifting from an import-dependent nation to a global manufacturing hub. The country’s efforts in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and industrial production are all aligned with this broader vision of self-reliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized that ‘Make in India’ is not just about economic growth but also about strengthening national security, reducing trade deficits, and empowering local industries.
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What Lies Ahead?
India’s mobile manufacturing boom is undoubtedly a milestone achievement, but the journey is far from over. The country now needs to focus on:
- Scaling semiconductor production to achieve true self-reliance in electronics.
- Strengthening R&D efforts to develop indigenous smartphone brands.
- Enhancing skill development programs to meet the industry’s evolving workforce demands.
- Expanding exports further by making India a key hub for global supply chains.
As the world looks for alternatives to China in manufacturing, India has a golden opportunity to become a global leader. The past ten years have been transformational, but the next decade will define whether India can sustain this momentum and emerge as a true manufacturing superpower.
The ‘Make in India’ success story is not just about policies and factories—it’s about a nation that believed in its potential and took bold steps to realize it. And as India continues its march toward self-reliance, the world is taking notice.
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