Smartphones have become India’s largest export category in 2025, marking a significant shift in the country’s export landscape as electronics manufacturing gains momentum. Driven by strong global demand and policy support, smartphone shipments from India have surged, overtaking traditional export leaders such as refined petroleum products and cut and polished diamonds.
Industry estimates indicate that smartphone exports crossed the $30 billion mark during the year, reflecting rapid growth in domestic manufacturing capacity. The expansion has been fueled by the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing, which has attracted major global manufacturers and suppliers to set up production facilities in the country.
Global technology companies and their contract manufacturers have scaled up operations in India, transforming the country into a key hub in the global smartphone supply chain. A significant share of the exports consists of premium devices produced for international markets, particularly shipments to Europe, North America and parts of Asia.
The surge in smartphone exports highlights India’s broader push to expand electronics manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. Investments in supply chains, component ecosystems and export infrastructure have also contributed to the sector’s rapid growth.
Trade analysts note that the shift underscores the growing role of high-value manufacturing in India’s export basket. With continued policy support and rising global demand, the electronics sector—led by smartphones—is expected to remain a major driver of India’s export growth in the coming years.