9APRIL 2025After finishing the cycle of electronics production through the newest initiative of promoting components, the government's next move will be to concentrate on developing their software domestically, according to the electronics and IT minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw told FE. "Once that happens, the backward and forward integration would be complete," he added.Clarifying the reasoning behind the software design aspect, Vaishnaw noted that the Union Cabinet's approval last week of the electronics component manufacturing scheme aims at addressing the hardware segment of the electronics ecosystem, emphasizing passive components and sub-assemblies essential for producing electronic devices."Once the software design starts happening in the country, it would cover the entire value chain of electronics production, from raw materials and components to finished hardware and the software that powers it," Vaishnaw said.In simple terms, this indicates that not just elements like printed circuit boards, lithium-ion battery cells, and sub-assemblies for display and camera modules would be produced in India, but their software design would also begin taking place here."We started with smartphones, moved to IT hardware, semiconductor, and with electronics components, the manufacturing cycle is now complete. Once software design also starts in the country, full backward-forward integration would happen," the minister said, adding that cohesive strategy could turn India from a manufacturing center into a comprehensive electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) hub. FOXCONN PLANS TO DOUBLE IPHONE PRODUCTION IN INDIA WITH 25-30M UNITSOUR NEXT GOAL IS TO DEVELOP SOFTWARE IN INDIA: ELECTRONICS AND IT MINISTERFoxconn plans to manufacture 25-30 million Apple iPhones at its plants in India this year, representing more than a twofold rise compared to last year's production. According to sources familiar with the plans, this occurs as Apple broadens its manufacturing footprint in India and aims to diversify its production network.The Taiwanese company has been carrying out limited testing activities at its Bengaluru location for the last three to four months, suggesting swift progress in its growth of manufacturing operations throughout India, the source noted."Last year, the company assembled about 12 million iPhones in India," a source told ET. "But with their Bengaluru facility also coming up quickly, they have set their ambitions a lot higher, in line with Apple's push to deepen their presence in India."With Apple expanding beyond China, Foxconn's activities in India have seen significant expansion. The Taiwanese company has boosted its investments in mobile assembly domestically, indicating more growth ahead as Apple enhances its footprint in India.Chang states that iPhone production remains Foxconn's top priority. He expects India's production share to rise from last year's target of 12-16% to 21-25% this year. In line with Apple's vision, Foxconn aims to enhance its collaboration, concentrating on broadening its manufacturing footprint in India.Once trial runs are successfully finished, Foxconn can move on to the 'revenue build' phase, when the produced phones will be set for distribution. Beginning deliveries from the Bengaluru facility will be a key factor in achieving Foxconn's desired production goals.
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