India is steadily positioning itself at the forefront of the global consumer technology and electronics ecosystem. Years of sustained policy support, entrepreneurial ambition, and a growing talent pool are transforming the country from a service-led economy into a high-value manufacturing and innovation powerhouse.
This evolution was recently highlighted by Akis Evangelidis, Co-Founder and President (India) of consumer tech brand Nothing, who emphasized India’s growing role in global tech innovation. While announcing the legal incorporation of CMF as an independent entity in India, Evangelidis noted, “India is increasingly positioning itself at the forefront of the global consumer tech ecosystem, driven by years of sustained progress and ambition. CMF will anchor leadership, R&D, manufacturing, and operations here, reflecting strong confidence in India as a global hub.”
This is more than a corporate milestone—it reflects a broader trend where India is emerging not just as a manufacturing base but as a global center for design, innovation, and governance in consumer electronics.
ESDM: The Engine of India’s Electronics Growth
The Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector is central to India’s tech ascent. Market projections suggest India’s ESDM industry could nearly double to ₹7–8 lakh crore by 2030, up from ₹3.1 lakh crore in FY25. Smartphones, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics are the key drivers of this surge.
With an expected CAGR of 20–25% over the next five years, India is transitioning from an assembly-focused market to a hub for high-value electronics and semiconductor innovation. By 2047, India aims to emerge as a global tech manufacturing powerhouse.
A Strategic Shift: India Versus China
India’s growing role in global supply chains is evident. Apple and its primary vendor, Foxconn, now account for 70% of India’s smartphone exports, which hit a record ₹1,55,000 crore in April–January FY25. Notably, India recently surpassed China as the largest smartphone exporter to the U.S. in Q2 FY26—a testament to the success of the “China+1” strategy, where global OEMs diversify production beyond China.
This shift underscores India’s competitive advantage: a large domestic market, skilled talent, and proactive policies that attract global investment.
Leading ESDM States and Hubs
Several states are leading India’s electronics revolution, each with unique strengths:
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is India’s largest electronics manufacturing hub, contributing 37% of the country’s electronics exports ($12.62 billion in FY2024–25). The state’s ₹500 crore Semiconductor Mission and presence of global OEMs like Foxconn position it to expand exports to $20–22 billion by 2027–28. Its deep supply chains, R&D ecosystem, and skilled workforce make it a premier destination for global electronics firms.
Karnataka
Often called India’s Silicon Valley, Karnataka hosts over 100 fabless chip design houses and 400+ global R&D centers. The state produces 50% of India’s electronic product companies and 40% of design output, with a strong focus on IoT, robotics, and medical electronics. The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission envisions a $300 billion digital economy, reinforcing the state’s global ESDM position.
Uttar Pradesh
UP has emerged as a hub for mobile manufacturing, producing 45% of India’s smartphones and 55% of components. Brands like Samsung, Oppo, and Vivo operate major facilities here, including Samsung’s largest mobile plant in Noida. Its Semiconductor Policy 2024 provides capital incentives, tariff concessions, and land support to strengthen its consumer electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra contributes 18% of national electronics output, with Hi-Tech ESDM parks in Ranjangaon and Talegaon attracting $5.1 billion in investment in FY2023–24. The state also produces over a third of India’s integrated circuits and hosts 44% of the country’s data center capacity, making it a strong ecosystem for electronics, automation, and digital infrastructure.
Gujarat
Gujarat is fast becoming a semiconductor hub, with Tata Electronics establishing India’s first chip manufacturing facility in Dholera, costing ₹91,000 crore and operational by 2026. Large-scale projects under the Gujarat State Electronics Mission further strengthen investment and innovation in the sector.
Government Initiatives Driving Growth
India’s electronics boom is supported by strategic government programs:
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PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes for high-value electronics manufacturing.
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SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Electronics Components and Semiconductors), encouraging domestic component production.
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ECMS (Electronics Manufacturing Clusters Scheme), generating ₹44,406 crore in investment and creating over 5,000 jobs.
These initiatives enhance India’s supply chain resilience and incentivize global firms to anchor operations and innovation in India.
Looking Ahead: India as a Global Tech Powerhouse
India is moving beyond being a service-oriented economy to a high-value electronics and consumer tech leader. By 2030, the country is projected to dominate segments like smartphones, semiconductors, and consumer electronics, transitioning from an assembly hub to a global center for innovation, design, and governance.
As Evangelidis notes, India is not merely a location for manufacturing—it is becoming home to global brands, cutting-edge research, and world-class talent, signaling a future where India-built technologies compete on the world stage.
With supportive policies, strategic investments, and growing global confidence, India is poised to reshape the global consumer tech landscape, making it a central player in electronics and innovation in the coming decade.