In just three years, India’s electronics industry has achieved what once seemed nearly impossible — leaping from the seventh-largest export sector in 2022 to the third-largest in 2025, overtaking traditional heavyweights like textiles, gems & jewellery, and petroleum by-products. At the heart of this transformation lies a single, game-changing phrase: “Made in India iPhones.”
The rise of Apple’s local manufacturing ecosystem has completely reshaped India’s export map. Since Apple began assembling iPhones in India under its “Make in India” expansion plan, the country has turned into one of the fastest-growing electronics exporters globally. Factories run by Foxconn, Wistron (now Tata-owned), and Pegatron in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are now shipping millions of devices to Europe, the Middle East, and even the US.
Government data shows that electronics exports have crossed $30 billion in FY2024–25, more than double the level seen in 2021–22. The growth is largely attributed to smartphone exports — particularly iPhones — which now account for nearly 50% of total electronics exports.
Economists say this shift marks a historic moment. For decades, India’s export base was dominated by traditional sectors such as petroleum, gems, and textiles. But now, technology and innovation-driven manufacturing are defining India’s new export era.
What’s equally significant is the domestic value addition happening within the country. Apple’s suppliers are increasingly sourcing components locally, from camera modules to batteries. This has encouraged dozens of Indian component makers and startups to enter the high-tech supply chain, boosting jobs and investments.
Industry analysts believe the next two years could push India even higher in global export rankings. With rising investments in semiconductor fabrication, wearable tech, and consumer electronics, India’s transformation from a low-cost assembly hub to a global electronics powerhouse seems well underway.
For India, the success of “Made-in-India iPhones” isn’t just about Apple. It’s about proving that global technology manufacturing can thrive on Indian soil — creating a ripple effect that’s redefining the country’s economic story, one shipment at a time.