Smartphones Lead India’s Export Push in FY26 as Electronics Manufacturing Gains Strength

Smartphones emerged as one of India’s standout export categories in 2025–26, helping drive strong growth in the country’s electronics exports as rising global demand and expanding domestic manufacturing boosted outbound shipments. The segment recorded a 24% increase in exports, reflecting India’s growing role as a major global manufacturing base for mobile devices.

The export surge was supported by the rapid scale-up of production in India by global technology majors such as Apple and Samsung, alongside broader efforts to position the country as an export-oriented manufacturing hub. This shift has strengthened India’s place in global electronics supply chains and highlighted the increasing importance of high-value manufactured goods in the country’s trade basket.

A key driver behind this momentum has been the government’s Production-Linked Incentive, or PLI, scheme, which has encouraged companies to expand manufacturing capacity and integrate Indian operations more deeply into global value chains. The growing contribution of smartphones to export performance is also being seen as evidence of a structural shift in India’s exports toward technology-driven sectors.

The expansion of smartphone exports has also contributed to job creation, technology transfer and fresh investment across the electronics ecosystem. With continued policy support, deeper component manufacturing and stronger domestic supply chains, India is expected to further improve its competitiveness in global electronics trade in the coming years.