India Becomes Largest Smartphone Supplier to US, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that India is now the largest smartphone supplier for the United States, a huge win for country’s electronics manufacturing industry, which currently has a gross value of ₹12 lakh crore.

This achievement demonstrates how far India has come to establish itself as an electronics force due to astute government action, local manufacturing activity, and pioneering trading relationships.

The increase in smartphone exports to the United States was underpinned by the "Make in India" program and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which attracted large electronics manufacturers - including names such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi - to construct or expand manufacturing locations in India.

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Smartphones constituted nearly half of the $20 billion electronics export market to the United States in 2024-25 with favorable local supply chains and low-cost manufacturing determined the outcome.

The electronics industry in India has evolved significantly, expanding from a gross value of ₹2 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹12 lakh crore in 2025. With foreign electronics manufacturers and Indian manufacturers, over 65% of India's electronics needs are currently supplied from home-grown production resulting in substantial reductions in import content.

This growth has also created millions of jobs, giving a big lift to the economy. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have become manufacturing powerhouses, hosting plants for both global and Indian brands.

Experts say supportive policies, a talented workforce, and cutting-edge tech are behind this success. Still, challenges like global competition and supply chain hiccups remain. With a focus on innovation, 5G, and eco-friendly practices, India’s poised to keep shining as a global electronics hub.