India’s Smartphone Exports Touch Record $30 Billion, Driven by PLI Push and Global Manufacturing Shift

India’s smartphone exports hit a record $30 billion, driven by PLI schemes, Apple-led manufacturing, and the country’s growing role in the global electronics supply chain.

Amit Kaul – For Digital Desk, Bengaluru: January 16, 2026 – India’s smartphone exports have surged to a historic high of $30 billion, marking a major milestone in the country’s manufacturing and export journey. The record-breaking figure underscores India’s rapid transformation into a global electronics manufacturing hub, powered by the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, policy stability, and expanding investments from global technology giants—most notably Apple.

According to industry estimates and government data, smartphone exports recorded double-digit growth during the last financial year, with India emerging as one of the fastest-growing exporters of mobile devices worldwide. Analysts say the achievement reflects a structural shift in global supply chains as companies diversify production beyond China and look to India as a long-term manufacturing base.

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PLI Schemes Fuel Export Momentum

At the heart of this export boom is the government’s Production-Linked Incentive programme, launched to encourage large-scale electronics manufacturing. The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to companies based on incremental production, effectively lowering costs and improving competitiveness for manufacturers operating in India.

The policy has attracted both global and domestic players, leading to expanded factory capacities, higher output, and improved integration with global supply chains. Industry experts note that the PLI framework has played a decisive role in making Indian-made smartphones price-competitive in international markets.

“The PLI scheme has changed the economics of smartphone manufacturing in India,” said a senior industry executive. “It has encouraged scale, efficiency, and export orientation.”

Apple Emerges as a Key Driver: India’s smartphone exports hit a record $30 billion

Apple-led manufacturing has been a major contributor to the export surge. Devices assembled in India—primarily iPhones—now account for a significant share of the country’s total smartphone exports. Apple’s contract manufacturers have steadily increased production capacity, exporting devices to markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Industry sources indicate that a growing percentage of global iPhone production is now taking place in India, reflecting Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing footprint. This shift has not only boosted export numbers but also enhanced India’s reputation as a producer of high-value electronics.

The presence of Apple has also had a ripple effect across the ecosystem, encouraging suppliers, component manufacturers, and logistics providers to set up or expand operations in the country.

Global Supply Chain Realignment

India’s export success comes amid a wider global realignment of electronics supply chains. Rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and the need for supply chain resilience have prompted multinational companies to reduce over-reliance on single-country manufacturing hubs.

India has benefited from this trend due to its large workforce, improving infrastructure, policy incentives, and expanding domestic market. Over the past few years, several smartphone brands have increased local assembly and export operations, strengthening India’s position in the global electronics value chain.

Economists say the $30 billion export milestone highlights India’s growing competitiveness in manufacturing-intensive sectors that were previously dominated by East Asian economies.

Job Creation and Economic Impact: India’s smartphone exports hit a record $30 billion

The expansion of smartphone manufacturing and exports has generated substantial employment, particularly in states hosting large electronics clusters. From factory floor jobs to logistics, testing, and support services, the sector has created opportunities across skill levels.

Beyond employment, the export surge contributes positively to India’s trade balance and foreign exchange earnings. It also supports the government’s broader objective of increasing the share of manufacturing in the country’s GDP.

“The smartphone export story shows how targeted industrial policy can deliver measurable economic outcomes,” said a policy analyst tracking India’s manufacturing growth.

Challenges and the Road Ahead: India’s smartphone exports hit a record $30 billion

Despite the success, experts caution that challenges remain. India still imports a significant portion of high-value components, including semiconductors and display panels. Increasing domestic value addition will be crucial to sustaining long-term growth and reducing dependency on imports.

Infrastructure bottlenecks, skill development, and regulatory consistency will also play a key role in determining whether India can maintain its export momentum. Industry leaders have called for continued policy support, faster clearances, and deeper integration with global component supply chains.

The government, meanwhile, has signalled plans to expand PLI incentives to advanced electronics, semiconductors, and emerging technologies, which could further strengthen India’s export potential.

A Defining Moment for Indian Manufacturing

India’s $30 billion smartphone export milestone represents more than just a numerical achievement. It signals the country’s emergence as a serious contender in global electronics manufacturing and a viable alternative in diversified supply chains.

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As global brands deepen their presence and domestic capabilities improve, analysts believe India is well-positioned to push exports even higher in the coming years. Whether the country can convert this momentum into sustained leadership will depend on continued reforms, investment in technology, and a focus on innovation.

For now, the record-breaking performance marks a defining moment for India’s manufacturing ambitions and its evolving role in the global digital economy.

Author Bio

Amit Kaul is a professional content writer and digital news strategist based in Bengaluru (India). With over a decade of experience covering transportation, technology, and travel, Amit specializes in creating SEO-optimized, engaging news content for digital platforms. He focuses on in-depth reporting, trend analysis, and reader-friendly storytelling, ensuring articles reach a global audience effectively.