India: The World's Third-Largest Exporter Of Mobile Phones, Exports-Linked Employment For Over 17 Lakh People

India Third Largest Phone Exporter

India has become the world's third-largest exporter of mobile phones. In the past, it was dependent on imports. It has clocked exports worth USD 20.5 billion in calendar year 2024. A new study by the Centre for Development Studies highlights how policy interventions and integration into global value chains have powered this rise.

PLI Scheme In 2020

The study highlights the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 2020, which boosted large-scale electronics manufacturing and exports. The study also reveals the acceleration of India's pivot that began in 2017. The study was led by Professor C.Veeramani, Director of CDS and RBI Chair Professor.

Rarity Achieved

According to the study, India has achieved a rarity in most developing countries: exports outpacing domestic consumption.

“India's success mirrors the path taken by other Asian economies, achieving scale first, and deepening value addition over time,” said Prof. Veeramani, highlighting how exports have now become the primary engine of growth for the sector. “With mobile phone manufacturing providing a blueprint for growth, India can replicate similar strategies across the electronics sector to position the country as a global manufacturing leader.”

India Was Reliant On Imports

India was heavily reliant on mobile imports in 2014-15. Domestic demand was at an all-time high, and to meet the needs of the citizens, mobile phones were imported.

In 2024-25, India's mobile phone exports are USD 24.1 billion, a more than 11,950% increase from just USD 0.2 billion in 2017-18.

Generated Employment

India’s labour market is reshaping itself. According to ASI data, the sector, counting both direct and indirect jobs, now employs over 17 lakh people as of 2022-23. The mobile boom has export-linked employment growing more than 33-fold during this period.

India As A Global Production Powerhouse

With the right mix of scale, policy stability, and value chain integration, India is positioning itself not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a global production powerhouse.