India’s iPhone exports surged to an estimated $23 billion in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s electronics manufacturing journey and firmly establishing smartphones as one of India’s leading export categories.
Driven by global supply chain diversification and strong policy support under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, India has rapidly expanded its role in the global value chain of Apple Inc.. The bulk of iPhone production in India is handled by contract manufacturers including Foxconn, Pegatron and Tata Electronics, which have scaled up operations across facilities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The sharp rise in outbound shipments reflects India’s transformation from a largely import-dependent smartphone market into a key export hub for premium devices. Industry estimates suggest that a substantial share of iPhones assembled in India is now destined for markets such as Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Smartphones have now emerged as one of India’s top merchandise export segments, outpacing several traditional categories. The growth underscores the government’s push to position India as a global electronics manufacturing centre while reducing dependence on imports and improving the trade balance.
Analysts note that the continued expansion of component ecosystems, increased local value addition and rising investor confidence have strengthened India’s competitiveness. The entry and expansion of domestic players, including the Tata Group’s foray into iPhone assembly and component manufacturing, further signal deepening localisation in the sector.
With global brands increasingly looking at India as a strategic manufacturing base, experts expect electronics exports—led by smartphones—to remain a key driver of the country’s export growth in the coming years.