India's Mobile Phone Manufacturing Soars to Historic Heights in 2025

India's mobile phone export hit Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January 2025, marking a significant surge from 2020-21 levels. The rise, fueled by the government's Production Linked Incentive scheme, signifies a new era for India's manufacturing sector, with projections of continued growth in the coming years.

India's mobile phone manufacturing industry has achieved an unprecedented milestone, reporting record exports of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January 2025. This surge marks a remarkable increase from the Rs 22,868 crore recorded in the fiscal year 2020-21, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). The achievement underscores the transformative impact of the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

According to ICEA, mobile phone production doubled from Rs 2,20,000 crore in FY23-24 to Rs 4,22,000 crore. The association projects this growth trajectory to continue, estimating production to reach Rs 5,10,000 crore in FY24-25, further solidifying India's position as a global manufacturing leader.

With India becoming a pivotal player in the mobile phone manufacturing sector, ICEA forecasts mobile phone exports to surpass Rs 1,80,000 crore in FY24-25, reflecting a 40 percent growth from the previous fiscal year and an over 680 percent surge since the PLI scheme's inception in FY20-21. Mobile phone exports represent a major growth driver in the electronics sector, with the U.S. as a significant market for Indian smartphones. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, cautioning against complacency. He emphasized the need to exploit opportunities in the current geopolitical climate to continue advancing the industry's global impact.

Smartphones are poised to become India's top export commodity, illustrating a historical shift in the nation's independent manufacturing capabilities. This achievement stems from a synergistic partnership between a proactive government and a consistently competitive industry, according to ICEA.

(With inputs from agencies.)