Synopsis
India has transformed into the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer, with over 300 units established from just 2 in 2014. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted significant growth in local production and exports, underscoring the impact of the 'Make In India' initiative in boosting the economy and creating jobs.Key Takeaways
- India's mobile manufacturing units have increased from 2 to over 300 since 2014.
- 99.2% of mobile phones sold in India are now locally produced.
- Mobile manufacturing value reached Rs 4,22,000 crore.
- Exports of mobile phones surpassed Rs 1,29,000 crore in 2024.
- 'Make In India' initiative is crucial for local production and employment growth.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) India has emerged as the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally, expanding from just 2 operational units in 2014 to over 300 manufacturing units across the nation today, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for Railways and Electronics and IT.
Currently, approximately 99.2 percent of mobile phones sold in India are produced locally, with the manufacturing value skyrocketing to Rs 4,22,000 crore and exports exceeding Rs 1,29,000 crore in 2024.
In the fiscal year 2014-15, merely 26 percent of the mobile phones sold in the country were manufactured domestically, while the majority were imported.
India's annual mobile phone production stands between 325 to 330 million, with an estimated billion mobile devices currently in use in the country, the Minister stated.
“The Indian mobile market is nearly saturated, and there’s a significant increase in mobile phone exports. Exports, which were nearly absent in 2014, have now surpassed Rs 1,29,000 crore,” Vaishnaw noted.
The 'Make In India' initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is instrumental in positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.
This sector's growth has also been a crucial source of employment, generating around 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs over the past decade.
These job opportunities have not only improved the economic conditions of many families but have also strengthened the socio-economic structure of the nation, as per the Minister.
The 'Make in India' program has been essential in reaching these achievements, facilitating local production of vital components and sub-assemblies like chargers, battery packs, various mechanics, USB cables, and more intricate parts such as Lithium Ion Cells, speakers, microphones, display assemblies, and camera modules.
“Moving forward, we will emphasize deeper integration into the value chain, specifically in the production of components and semiconductors. This strategy aims to bolster self-reliance and position India as a key contender in the global electronics market,” reiterated Vaishnaw.
The establishment of a semiconductor manufacturing base is a significant aspect of 'Make in India,' a goal India has pursued for over six decades.
With the initiation of the India Semiconductor Mission and the approval of five major projects—including those by Micron, Tata Electronics, CG Power, and Keynes—the foundation for a genuine semiconductor manufacturing base is being laid in India.
“Production is returning to India, spanning from toys to mobile devices, defense equipment to electric vehicle motors,” stated Ashwini Vaishnaw.
