‘Make in India’ momentum: Apple-led push takes India’s smartphone exports to record $30 billion in 2025

India’s smartphone exports reached approximately $30 billion during 2025, marking a historic high attributed largely to the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) initiative, according to industry reports.

This figure represents around 38% of the nation’s total smartphone exports over the past five-year period. Cumulative exports between 2021 and 2025 totaled $79.03 billion, with 2025 setting a new single-year record for export volume.

Apple’s iPhones constituted nearly 75% of these exports (approximately $22 billion), according to available data. The 2025 export total reflects a significant 47% increase compared to the previous year’s $20.45 billion figures.

Government data indicates India’s electronics export sector surpassed Rs 4 trillion during this period. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expects further growth as semiconductor manufacturing facilities become operational: “These exports generate employment and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. Semiconductor plant commercial operations should drive continued momentum in 2026,” the minister stated via social media.

Domestic electronics production during 2024-25 reportedly reached Rs 11.3 lakh crore according to official estimates.

Industry data reveals Apple’s iPhone exports from India crossed Rs 2 lakh crore during 2025 – marking India’s first achievement of this export milestone since beginning domestic iPhone production earlier this decade. Export numbers surged 85% compared to 2024 figures.

Current manufacturing operations include five iPhone assembly plants across India- three managed by Tata Group subsidiaries and two operated by Foxconn. The country has now become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with domestic manufacturing now accounting for over 99% of handsets sold in India.

With the smartphone PLI scheme’s scheduled conclusion in March 2026, government officials are reportedly considering potential incentive extensions. Modified scheme rules permit companies to select five consecutive incentive-eligible fiscal years within a six-year window.

(Inputs from IANS)