India is steadily positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary Make in India initiative. Over the past decade, this program has not only strengthened India’s self-reliance but also boosted production and created numerous job opportunities. Highlighting the remarkable progress in the sector, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, shared compelling data showcasing India’s rapid transformation in mobile and electronics manufacturing.

1. India has made significant progress in mobile and electronics manufacturing.
From just 2 mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 300 today, the sector has expanded rapidly. pic.twitter.com/cMjyEU2hYJ

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 4, 2025

From Imports to Independence: India’s Rise in Mobile Manufacturing

India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturing country, making significant strides in the industry. Back in 2014, the country had only two mobile manufacturing units. Fast forward to today, and this number has soared beyond 300, reflecting the exponential growth of this crucial sector. In the financial year 2014-15, merely 26 per cent of the mobile phones sold in India were manufactured domestically, with the remaining majority being imported. However, the scenario has dramatically changed. Today, an astounding 99.2 per cent of all mobile phones sold in India are locally produced. This transformation underscores the success of the Make in India initiative in reducing dependency on imports and strengthening domestic production capabilities.

Exponential Growth in Manufacturing Value and Exports

The financial growth of India’s mobile manufacturing industry has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2014, the total production value of mobile phones stood at ₹18,900 crore. By 2024, this figure has skyrocketed to a staggering ₹4,22,000 crore, highlighting the sector’s exponential expansion.
Currently, India produces between 325 to 330 million mobile phones annually, ensuring the domestic market is well-served. With nearly a billion mobile phones in use across the country, the demand is at an all-time high. As a result, Indian manufacturers have begun tapping into the global market, significantly increasing exports. In 2014, India’s mobile phone exports were negligible, but today, they have surpassed ₹1,29,000 crore—a significant milestone in the country’s economic progress.

India’s Path to Becoming a Global Manufacturing Leader

The surge in mobile manufacturing under the Make in India initiative is a testament to India’s growing technological capabilities and economic resilience. With robust policies and investments driving this transformation, India is set to further establish itself as a dominant force in global manufacturing. The country’s shift from an import-dependent market to a self-reliant and export-driven economy signifies a major leap towards sustainable growth and global competitiveness.