India’s smartphone industry has scripted a remarkable success story, with exports surging to a staggering $30 billion in 2025, largely fueled by the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This milestone underscores the nation’s rapid transformation into a global manufacturing powerhouse, outpacing even some established players in the sector.
Launched in 2020, the PLI scheme aimed to bolster domestic production and reduce import dependency. It offered lucrative incentives to companies investing in local manufacturing, attracting giants like Apple, Samsung, and Foxconn to expand their operations significantly. The results are now evident: from a modest base, smartphone exports have grown exponentially, reflecting improved supply chains, skilled workforce development, and policy-driven efficiencies.
In 2025 alone, exports jumped by over 40% compared to the previous year, with key markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East absorbing the bulk of shipments. Apple’s iPhone production in India, now accounting for nearly 25% of global output, has been a game-changer, supported by component localization mandates under PLI 2.0. Samsung and other players have followed suit, diversifying away from China amid geopolitical shifts.
This boom has created over 500,000 direct jobs and spurred ancillary industries like display panels and battery manufacturing. Economists hail it as a model for ‘Make in India,’ projecting exports to touch $50 billion by 2028. However, challenges persist, including raw material imports and infrastructure bottlenecks, which policymakers are addressing through targeted reforms.
As India celebrates this record, the PLI scheme’s success signals a new era of self-reliance. With sustained investments and innovation, the country is poised to dominate the global smartphone arena, blending affordability with cutting-edge technology.