India's electronics sector has achieved a historic milestone, recording $47 billion (Rs 4.15 lakh crore) in exports in 2025. This achievement is largely attributed to the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, particularly in boosting smartphone exports. The surge in electronics exports marks a 37% increase compared to the $34.93 billion recorded in 2024.
The PLI scheme has been instrumental in driving this growth, with approximately $30 billion of the total exports originating from PLI-driven smartphone production. This substantial contribution highlights the effectiveness of the scheme in enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and export competitiveness. The $30 billion in smartphone exports in 2025 represents about 38% of the country's smartphone exports over the past five years.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, noted that India's electronics exports have increased elevenfold since 2014-15. Electronics are now India's third-largest export item, contributing to the creation of 25 lakh new jobs, increased participation of women in the workforce, opportunities for MSMEs, and long-term skills development for the youth.
Official data indicates that electronics production reached around Rs 11.3 lakh crore in the 2024-25 period. The PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM) has attracted over Rs 13,475 crore in investment, resulting in a production of Rs 9.8 lakh crore. India has also emerged as the world's second-largest mobile manufacturing country, with the number of mobile manufacturing units rising from just 2 in 2014-15 to around 300 today. Approximately 99.2% of mobile handsets sold in India are now 'Made in India'.
Apple's iPhone exports from India crossed Rs 2 lakh crore in 2025, showcasing an almost 85% surge over 2024 exports. Apple's iPhone consignments accounted for roughly 75 per cent of the total smartphone exports during the 2021-2025 period, valuing over $22 billion. The tech giant has expanded its manufacturing footprint in India, with five iPhone assembly plants, three operated by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn.
The government is now focusing on building capacity for modules, components, sub-modules, raw materials, and the machines that make them. The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme is supporting this strategic shift. The momentum is expected to continue in 2026, with four semiconductor plants anticipated to commence commercial production.
The electronics manufacturing sector has seen a 146% surge under the PLI scheme, reaching Rs 5.45 lakh crore in FY25 from Rs 2.13 lakh crore in FY21. This growth has attracted approximately $4 billion in foreign direct investment, with 70% directed towards PLI beneficiaries. While the total budgetary outlay for the PLI scheme across 14 sectors is Rs 1.97 lakh crore, disbursements are accelerating, indicating strong momentum for domestic manufacturing and supply chain strengthening. Large-scale electronics manufacturing has secured the largest share of PLI allocations, earmarked at Rs 38,645 crore.
In December 2025, electronics exports reached $4.17 billion, a 16.8% increase from $3.58 billion in December 2024. Electronics exports exceeded the $4 billion mark in seven months of 2025, demonstrating sustained global demand for Indian-made devices. The PLI scheme for smartphones is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, and the government is reportedly exploring options to extend support.
