New Delhi: India’s smartphone industry has hit a new record. Exports crossed the ₹1 trillion mark within just five months of the ongoing financial year, underlining the impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The milestone reflects a sharp rise in shipments and stronger participation from domestic and global manufacturers.
The value of smartphone exports between April and August 2025 stood at ₹1,00,000 crore, according to industry data. This is a 55 per cent jump compared to ₹64,500 crore during the same period last year. To put the surge into context, the figure is already 10 per cent higher than the full-year exports of ₹90,000 crore recorded in FY23.
PLI scheme drives the momentum
The PLI scheme for mobile phones, which was rolled out in 2020, has become the backbone of India’s smartphone export story. By rewarding companies for increasing production and value addition, it has incentivised higher shipments to global markets.
Data from the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) shows that Apple’s contract manufacturers are leading the charge. Tata Electronics and Foxconn together shipped over ₹75,000 crore worth of smartphones, which is nearly three-fourths of the total exports in the first five months.
Tata Electronics, which entered the sector after acquiring Wistron’s assembly unit, has scaled up rapidly. Foxconn, Apple’s long-time partner, has also widened its manufacturing footprint in India.
Other contributors and local ecosystem
While Apple’s partners dominate, other firms have added to the growth. Pegatron and Dixon Technologies have steadily increased their contribution to exports. The bigger picture is the development of a stronger component supply chain.
Exports to major destinations such as the United States and Europe have grown strongly, despite global trade uncertainties. The design of the scheme, which rewards incremental sales over domestic market output, has clearly pushed manufacturers to focus on exports.
Outlook for the coming years
Industry estimates suggest that if the current momentum continues, smartphone exports could reach ₹2 trillion by FY26. Experts believe continued government support and larger spending on R&D will be key to sustaining this growth.
The success is also being read as a sign of India’s growing clout in electronics manufacturing. With Apple’s ecosystem at the forefront, smartphones have become the flagship product driving India’s exports in this sector.