Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap that charts India's next significant leap in electronics manufacturing. The strategic plan places design innovation, superior quality standards, and the core principle of self-reliance at the forefront of the nation's industrial policy.
A Five-Year Vision for Electronics Dominance
During a significant industry address, the minister detailed a clear five-year vision aimed at fundamentally transforming India's electronics sector. The strategy moves beyond mere assembly to establish a deeply integrated, value-creating ecosystem. The government is targeting a production level of $300 billion in electronics by 2025-26, a goal that underscores the sector's critical role in India's economic ambitions.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the previous decade was dedicated to building a strong foundation for mobile phone manufacturing, which saw remarkable success. The coming years, however, will be defined by a strategic pivot towards high-value areas. "The next phase is all about design-led manufacturing and ensuring global quality," the minister stated, highlighting the evolution of the government's approach.
Core Pillars: Design, Quality, and Self-Reliance
The newly revealed roadmap is built upon three fundamental pillars that will guide policy and industrial growth. First is a major push for domestic design capabilities, particularly in the semiconductor and component space. This initiative is crucial for capturing a larger portion of the global electronics value chain and reducing dependency on imported technology.
The second pillar revolves around an uncompromising focus on quality. The minister stressed that Indian-made electronics must meet and exceed international standards to compete effectively in global markets. This involves creating robust testing infrastructure and implementing stringent quality control protocols across the manufacturing process.
The third and overarching pillar is 'Atma Nirbharta' or self-reliance. The government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has already proven instrumental in boosting local manufacturing. The plan is to continue and expand such support mechanisms, fostering an environment where Indian companies can design, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge electronic products for the world.
Building on a Decade of Mobile Manufacturing Success
Minister Vaishnaw pointed to the mobile phone manufacturing sector as a testament to what is achievable. From being a net importer, India has transformed into a major global hub for mobile production. The sector has seen production soar from an estimated Rs 18,900 crore to a staggering Rs 4.1 lakh crore in the last decade, creating millions of jobs and establishing a robust supply chain.
This success story provides a blueprint for other electronics sub-sectors. The government now aims to replicate this model for a wider range of products, including laptops, servers, telecom equipment, and industrial electronics. The focus will be on creating end-to-end ecosystems that include component manufacturing, not just final assembly.
The roadmap also acknowledges the importance of skilling India's vast workforce to meet the demands of a sophisticated electronics industry. Collaboration between industry and academic institutions will be key to developing the next generation of engineers, designers, and technicians required for this technological leap.
With this clear and ambitious plan, the Indian government signals its firm commitment to establishing the country as a global electronics superpower. By betting on design, quality, and self-reliance, India is poised to not only meet its domestic demand but also become a net exporter of high-value electronic goods in the coming years.
