India’s smartphone exports have hit an all-time high of ₹1.55 trillion in the April 2024–January 2025 period, marking a significant 56% increase from ₹991.2 billion during the same period last year. This sharp growth has been propelled by the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has strengthened the country’s manufacturing ecosystem and encouraged global players to expand production.
Tech giants Apple and Samsung have been the driving forces behind this export surge, with Apple alone accounting for nearly 70% of total shipments. The Indian government’s strategic push for local manufacturing has played a crucial role in establishing the country as a major global hub for smartphone production and exports.
Apple Leads the Charge, Foxconn at the Forefront
Apple has been the key player in India’s smartphone export boom, with its contract manufacturers leading the charge. Foxconn’s Tamil Nadu facility has emerged as the biggest contributor, accounting for nearly 50% of Apple’s total shipments from India. Tata Electronics, which took over Wistron’s operations in Karnataka, has also ramped up production, contributing 22%, while Pegatron’s Tamil Nadu unit added another 12% to Apple’s exports.
The PLI scheme has incentivized Apple to shift a significant portion of its production from China to India, accelerating the country’s export momentum. In FY24, Apple’s India exports were valued at ₹65,000 crore, with projections indicating a further rise in FY25.
Samsung Expands Exports, Strengthens Competition
While Apple dominates India’s smartphone exports, Samsung remains a key player, contributing around 20% of total shipments. The South Korean tech giant has leveraged its Noida plant—one of the world’s largest mobile manufacturing facilities—to scale up production and increase exports.
With India’s favorable policies supporting the electronics sector, Samsung has expanded its presence in global markets, competing directly with Apple. The company’s steady export growth aligns with the Indian government’s vision of making the country a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse.
PLI Scheme Transforms India’s Export Landscape
A decade ago, smartphones ranked 67th in India’s export categories. Today, they have surged to the second position, largely due to the PLI scheme, which was launched in April 2020 to boost local manufacturing. The initiative offers financial incentives to companies that meet specific production targets, encouraging both global and domestic firms to scale up their Indian operations.
This policy shift has resulted in a dramatic rise in smartphone exports over the years:
• FY21: ₹233.9 billion
• FY22: ₹473.4 billion
• FY23: ₹916.5 billion
• FY24: ₹1.31 trillion
In January 2025 alone, smartphone exports reached ₹250 billion—a staggering 140% jump from January 2024—highlighting India’s growing prominence in the global smartphone supply chain.
Future Outlook: India Set to Hit ₹1.68 Trillion in Exports
Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has projected that India’s smartphone exports will reach $20 billion (₹1.68 trillion) in FY25. The sustained success of the PLI scheme, combined with increasing investments from global players, is expected to further cement India’s position as a leading smartphone exporter.
With Apple and Samsung spearheading this growth and local manufacturers expanding their footprint, India is emerging as a strong alternative to China in smartphone production. The government’s continued focus on boosting domestic capabilities and attracting foreign investments is expected to drive this momentum in the coming years.
