India received a total of US $ 843 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2014-15 and 2025-26, an increase of 169 percent compared to the previous 12 years, a Commerce and Industry Ministry official said on Wednesday. Sumit Jarangal, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said that despite global economic uncertainties, the country achieved a historic FDI of US $ 94.53 billion in 2025-26, with more than 90 per cent of equity investments coming through the ‘automatic route’ (route without government approval).
He emphasized that key initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Production Linked Incentive’ (PLI) scheme have transformed investment into manufacturing strength. Across 14 strategic sectors, PLI schemes have attracted investments worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore, production worth Rs 22.66 lakh crore, exports worth over Rs 15.20 lakh crore and created more than 14 lakh jobs. As part of a nationwide campaign to mark the completion of 12 years of the government’s rule, Jarangal was briefing the media about the key initiatives, structural reforms and achievements of his department in the last decade.
India makes 99.2 percent of mobile phones itself
Jarangal also highlighted the transformational journey of India’s industrial and startup ecosystem and emphasized that policy reforms, innovation and entrepreneurship have emerged as key pillars of India’s economic strength and global competitiveness. He said that India has successfully faced many global challenges and also undertaken major structural reforms, which have increased investor confidence and accelerated industrial growth. He said India now manufactures 99.2 per cent of mobile phones used in the country, while the pharma sector has significantly reduced import dependence through domestic production of 191 bulk drugs, with PLI-supported production contributing significantly to exports.
Eliminated more than 47,000 compliances
He also highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to simplify rules and improve the ‘ease of doing business’. He said that more than 47,000 compliances have been eliminated and many legal provisions have been rationalized through the ‘Public Trust Act, 2026’, which reflects the shift from strictness-based regulation to a trust-based governance framework. The National Single Window System, which involves 32 Central Ministries and 34 States and Union Territories, has processed over 13.7 lakh applications and given over 8.5 lakh approvals, thereby creating an easier and better investment environment. The reforms are being further strengthened through initiatives like Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), Udyog Samagam and district-level BRAP.
24 lakh direct jobs created
Speaking on the startup revolution in India, Jarangal said that the ‘Startup India’ initiative, launched on January 16, 2016, has now become a comprehensive platform that promotes entrepreneurship through startup recognition, seed funding, venture capital support, credit guarantees, tax exemptions, procurement reforms and international market access. He said that today there are more than 2.35 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT in India, which have generated about 24 lakh direct jobs. More than half of these startups are from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Nearly half of these startups have at least one female director or partner, reflecting the inclusive nature of this ecosystem.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
He said that key initiatives like Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS 1.0) and the recently launched Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 are strengthening access to capital at different stages of the startup journey. Under FFS 1.0, around Rs 27,600 crore has been invested in more than 1,450 startups, while under SISFS, Rs 945 crore has been sanctioned through more than 215 incubators. He said that CGSS has helped startup borrowers through loan guarantee of more than Rs 1,350 crore.
Investment of Rs 2,270 crore in more than 115 startups
The Joint Secretary said that there are about 15,500 startups recognized by DPIIT in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh together, which have generated more than 1.7 lakh direct jobs. Over Rs 2,270 crore has been invested in more than 115 startups in the sector through Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) supported under FFS, while around 260 startups have benefited from the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. Credit support through CGSS has resulted in guaranteed loans worth approximately Rs 180 crore, and more than 320 startups across the three sectors have received eligibility certificates for income tax exemption. He said that these achievements demonstrate the growing strength of the region’s innovation ecosystem and its contribution to employment generation and economic growth.
