India’s electronics industry has outlined a focused plan to deepen domestic manufacturing, identifying 16 products that can be locally produced to reduce reliance on imports. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent directive to the Centre and states to shortlist 100 products that can be indigenised to strengthen the country’s manufacturing base. The roadmap was discussed during the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held on December 28, where the Prime Minister stressed the need for self-reliance under the Viksit Bharat vision. He called for scalable manufacturing of high-quality products while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
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The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents leading electronics manufacturers including Tata Electronics, Foxconn, Vivo Mobile India, Apple suppliers, Dixon Technologies and Lava, has submitted a detailed proposal to the Prime Minister’s Office. The list includes products that are either already being manufactured in India or can be localised within the next two years.
Strong Push on Components and Sub-Assemblies
Of the 16 identified products, 11 fall under components and sub-assemblies, while the remaining five are finished electronics goods. The component list covers critical areas such as mobile phone and IT hardware enclosures, display and camera module assemblies, advanced printed circuit boards—including high-density interconnect and flexible PCBs—and lithium-ion cells used in digital devices. Industry leaders believe that strengthening component manufacturing is essential to closing long-standing gaps in India’s electronics supply chain. Alongside import substitution, the roadmap also aims to build export competitiveness over time, supported by localisation of manufacturing equipment and tooling.
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Finished Goods: Building on Smartphone Success
On the finished goods front, the industry is looking to replicate the success achieved in smartphone manufacturing. A decade ago, nearly 80 per cent of smartphones sold in India were imported, largely from China. Today, more than 99 per cent of smartphones sold domestically are made in India, with exports touching a record $24.1 billion in 2024-25. Encouraged by this shift, manufacturers are now targeting local production of laptops, tablets, hearables and wearables by 2026, positioning India as a broader electronics manufacturing hub rather than just a smartphone base.
Investment and Employment Impact
ICEA estimates that the localisation push could unlock cumulative investments of over ₹1.1 trillion. These investments are expected to support production worth more than ₹10.34 trillion and create approximately 141,000 skilled jobs across the electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
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Government schemes such as the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme are playing a key role in accelerating this transition by offering financial incentives to manufacturers investing in domestic capacity. Together, industry and government believe the initiative will significantly reduce import dependence while strengthening India’s position in the global electronics value chain.
