Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged India’s electronics manufacturing sector to embrace self-reliance and technological innovation to reduce import dependence and enhance global competitiveness. Addressing industry leaders, Goyal emphasized the need to strengthen domestic supply chains, foster component manufacturing, and create globally recognized brands under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. With India emerging as a fast-growing hub for smartphones, semiconductors, and consumer electronics, the minister called on manufacturers to shift from assembly-based operations to design-led, high-value production. He underscored that self-reliance in electronics would not only boost exports but also reinforce India’s position in global value chains.
Strengthening Domestic Value Chains
Piyush Goyal highlighted that India’s reliance on imported electronic components poses a strategic challenge that could hinder long-term industrial resilience. While India has achieved remarkable progress in mobile phone manufacturing, most of the value addition still occurs outside the country.
Goyal urged the industry to focus on localizing the supply chain, particularly in semiconductors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and precision components. He stated that India must evolve from being an assembly hub to a global manufacturing powerhouse capable of producing advanced electronic systems and technologies.
“True self-reliance means creating value within our borders — from design and innovation to component manufacturing and final assembly,” Goyal noted, adding that public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in this transformation.
Driving Innovation and Indigenous Design
To ensure sustainable growth, Goyal called for increased investments in research and development (R&D) and indigenous product design. He urged companies to collaborate with academic institutions, startups, and innovation hubs to accelerate product development and integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and automation.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to attract global players while supporting domestic champions. “Our policies are designed to empower Indian manufacturers, not just to meet domestic demand but to lead global supply chains,” Goyal remarked.
Industry experts agree that developing design-led capabilities can enhance India’s competitiveness, reduce dependence on imports, and establish it as a reliable manufacturing destination amid evolving global trade dynamics.
Export Competitiveness and Global Integration
India’s electronics exports have surged over the past few years, with mobile phone shipments crossing Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in FY24, a testament to the sector’s potential. Goyal emphasized that the next phase of growth must come from diversified exports, including wearables, smart appliances, medical devices, and industrial electronics.
He urged manufacturers to adopt global quality standards, strengthen compliance frameworks, and invest in brand development to capture premium segments abroad. “We must move from being a cost-efficient alternative to a globally preferred source for quality electronics,” Goyal stated.
The minister further encouraged collaborations with international technology firms to enhance skills transfer, expand export opportunities, and integrate India into high-value global electronics supply networks.
Policy Support and Industry Collaboration
The government has introduced a series of measures to support domestic electronics manufacturing, including PLI schemes, the Semicon India program, and the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) initiative. These programs aim to create a robust ecosystem for component manufacturing, attract global investment, and promote sustainable, high-tech production.
Goyal reaffirmed that the government remains committed to simplifying regulations, improving logistics, and ensuring timely infrastructure support. He urged state governments to align policies and offer local incentives to complement national initiatives, thereby ensuring a cohesive strategy for industry expansion.
Outlook: India’s Path to Electronics Leadership
India’s electronics sector stands at a critical inflection point — balancing between strong demand growth and the strategic necessity of reducing import dependence. With global supply chains shifting amid geopolitical realignments, India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a trusted manufacturing and innovation hub.
Goyal’s call for self-reliance reflects a broader vision of economic sovereignty—one that seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities, encourage indigenous design, and elevate India’s global standing in the high-tech economy.
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