India's electronics exports have witnessed a significant surge in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, reaching $12.4 billion, a 47% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is primarily attributed to the robust performance of the mobile phone segment, along with increasing contributions from other electronic product categories.
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) reported that the country's electronics exports in Q1 FY25 stood at $8.43 billion. The mobile phone segment has been a standout performer, with exports growing by 55% from $4.9 billion in Q1 FY25 to an estimated $7.6 billion in Q1 FY26. This surge in mobile phone exports is supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for handset manufacturing, further driven by premium brands like Apple and Samsung.
The non-mobile electronics segment has also shown substantial growth, rising by 37% to $4.8 billion in Q1 FY26 from $3.53 billion in the corresponding period last year. Key products in this category include solar modules, switching and routing apparatus, charger adapters and parts, and other electronic components.
ICEA projects that the growth trajectory will continue, estimating electronics exports for the entire fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of $46-50 billion. This projection is based on the current momentum and the increasing contribution from various electronics segments.
Over the past decade, India's total electronics production has seen remarkable expansion, growing from $31 billion in FY15 to $133 billion in FY25. This growth has been facilitated by policy initiatives such as the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and strong collaboration between the state and industry.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement for the nation. He stated that focus should be on building an indigenous supply chain and promoting globally competitive Indian brands across the entire value chain, from components and sub-assemblies to final products. Mohindroo also highlighted the need to accelerate the expansion of other key export categories, such as IT hardware, wearables, hearables, and consumer electronics.
To achieve long-term sovereignty in the electronics sector, it is crucial to have Indian champions at every stage of the value chain. This includes fostering innovation, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and creating a conducive environment for domestic companies to thrive.
India's electronics exports have been on a consistent rise, with total exports increasing from $29.1 billion in FY24 to $38.6 billion in FY25. The government has set a target of $120 billion in electronics exports by 2025-2026, highlighting the country's ambition to become a major player in the global electronics market.
