How Did India's Mobile Phone Exports Increase by 127 Times in a Decade?
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Synopsis
India's mobile phone exports have skyrocketed, increasing by 127 times in just a decade. This dramatic rise is attributed to government initiatives aimed at boosting local manufacturing under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' programs. As India transforms into a global electronics hub, the impact on jobs and the economy is profound.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile phone exports rose 127 times in a decade.
- Production increased from Rs 0.18 lakh crore to Rs 5.5 lakh crore.
- Number of manufacturing units surged from 2 to over 300.
- Job creation in electronics sector estimated at 25 lakh.
- India's import dependency reduced to 0.02 percent.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) India has experienced an astonishing rise in mobile phone exports, soaring 127 times over the past decade, from a mere Rs 0.01 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 2 lakh crore in 2024-25, as reported to Parliament on Wednesday.
Officials attribute this extraordinary growth to the reforms and policy initiatives established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', which have positioned India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
The production of mobile phones has escalated from Rs 0.18 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 5.5 lakh crore in 2024-25, representing a 28-fold increase, according to Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada's written response in the Lok Sabha.
During this timeframe, the number of mobile manufacturing units has surged from just two in 2014 to over 300 in 2025, marking a rise of 150 times.
Consequently, India, which once relied heavily on imports to satisfy nearly three-fourths of its mobile phone demand, now imports a negligible 0.02 percent of the total units sold.
Overall electronics production has also expanded sixfold in the last decade, increasing from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 11.3 lakh crore, while exports of electronic goods have soared eight times to Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2024-25.
The government credits this transformation to flagship programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for large-scale electronics and IT hardware, the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC and EMC 2.0), the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), and the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order 2017.
These initiatives have reportedly created around 25 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the electronics sector across India.
In Maharashtra, there are 85 supported manufacturing units, two common facility centers, and one electronics manufacturing cluster under the Ministry's schemes.
The government also emphasized the importance of the Digital India and Skill India programs in providing youth with digital competencies.
In Maharashtra, over 53 lakh individuals have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), including nearly 6 lakh from Scheduled Tribes, while initiatives like FutureSkills PRIME and drone technology training programs have enhanced employability prospects.
Point of View
I observe this remarkable growth in mobile phone exports as a testament to India's commitment to becoming self-reliant in electronics manufacturing. The government's initiatives have not only revitalized the economy but have also created millions of jobs, positioning India as a key player in the global market.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What contributed to the increase in mobile phone exports?
The growth in mobile phone exports is largely attributed to the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, along with other supportive government policies.
How many mobile manufacturing units are in India now?
As of 2025, India has over 300 mobile manufacturing units, a significant increase from just two in 2014.
What impact has this growth had on job creation?
The initiatives have reportedly generated around 25 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the electronics sector across India.
How has India's import dependency changed?
India's dependency on imports for mobile phones has drastically reduced, with imports now accounting for only 0.02 percent of total units sold.
What is the significance of the Production Linked Incentive scheme?
The Production Linked Incentive scheme encourages large-scale electronics manufacturing, which has been crucial in boosting local production and exports.
