India’s electronics exports have emerged as one of the top three export categories, signalling a shift in the country’s trade pattern, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, the minister said that smartphones have now become the largest exported item from India, highlighting the growing role of electronics in the economy.&nbsp;He noted that traditional export items such as diesel, gems and jewellery, textiles and engineering goods have long dominated India’s exports, but the situation is now changing. The rise of electronics exports reflects increased manufacturing capacity and integration with global supply chains.<h2>Shift in India’s export landscape</h2>According to the minister, India exported around Rs 30,000 crore worth of electronics components to neighbouring countries in the last financial year. This marks a notable change, as the country moves from being largely dependent on imports in this sector to becoming an exporter.Vaishnaw said that electronics is now among the top three export categories and is expected to grow further in the coming years. This growth is linked to increasing investments and policy support aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing.&nbsp;<h2>Expansion of manufacturing capacity</h2>The minister highlighted that there are currently 71 manufacturing facilities for electronics components across India. Many of these units are in advanced stages of development and are expected to support both domestic demand and exports.He added that several components will soon meet 100 per cent of domestic demand, while Indian companies are also expected to become part of global value chains. The focus, he said, is on improving quality standards through methods such as Six Sigma and lean manufacturing to ensure long-term competitiveness.<h2>Progress in semiconductor and new technologies</h2>On semiconductor manufacturing, Vaishnaw said that two factories are already in commercial production, while a third is expected to begin operations in July and a fourth later in the year.He also pointed to opportunities in emerging technologies such as micro LED displays. According to him, India could begin production of micro LED screens within the next 22 months, positioning itself in a developing segment of the electronics industry.&nbsp;<h2>Railways infrastructure sees major growth</h2>The minister also spoke about developments in railway infrastructure. Capital expenditure in the sector has increased from about Rs 66,000 crore a few years ago to nearly Rs 2,72,000 crore in the last financial year.He said that around 49,000 kilometres of railway tracks have been electrified and 36,000 kilometres of new tracks have been added. These improvements are expected to reduce travel time significantly across major routes.<h2>Impact on travel patterns</h2>With faster trains, the minister said that passengers may increasingly prefer rail travel over air travel on certain routes. For example, travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai is expected to reduce to about 78 minutes, while Delhi to Varanasi could take around 3 hours and 50 minutes.He added that such improvements could change travel patterns, with railways becoming a more preferred option for short and medium distances.<h2>What this means for India</h2>The rise of electronics exports alongside improvements in infrastructure reflects broader economic changes. Increased manufacturing, better connectivity and new technologies are contributing to this shift.As India continues to expand its capabilities in electronics and transportation, these developments may play an important role in shaping long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s electronics exports have emerged as one of the top three export categories, signalling a shift in the country’s trade pattern, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026.


India’s electronics exports have emerged as one of the top three export categories, signalling a shift in the country’s trade pattern, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, the minister said that smartphones have now become the largest exported item from India, highlighting the growing role of electronics in the economy. He noted that traditional export items such as diesel, gems and jewellery, textiles and engineering goods have long dominated India’s exports, but the situation is now changing. The rise of electronics exports reflects increased manufacturing capacity and integration with global supply chains. Shift in India’s export landscape According to the minister, India exported around Rs 30,000 crore worth of electronics components to neighbouring countries in the last financial year. This marks a notable change, as the country moves from being largely dependent on imports in this sector to becoming an exporter. Vaishnaw said that electronics is now among the top three export categories and is expected to grow further in the coming years. This growth is linked to increasing investments and policy support aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing. Expansion of manufacturing capacity The minister highlighted that there are currently 71 manufacturing facilities for electronics components across India. Many of these units are in advanced stages of development and are expected to support both domestic demand and exports. He added that several components will soon meet 100 per cent of domestic demand, while Indian companies are also expected to become part of global value chains. The focus, he said, is on improving quality standards through methods such as Six Sigma and lean manufacturing to ensure long-term competitiveness. Progress in semiconductor and new technologies On semiconductor manufacturing, Vaishnaw said that two factories are already in commercial production, while a third is expected to begin operations in July and a fourth later in the year. He also pointed to opportunities in emerging technologies such as micro LED displays. According to him, India could begin production of micro LED screens within the next 22 months, positioning itself in a developing segment of the electronics industry. Railways infrastructure sees major growth The minister also spoke about developments in railway infrastructure. Capital expenditure in the sector has increased from about Rs 66,000 crore a few years ago to nearly Rs 2,72,000 crore in the last financial year. He said that around 49,000 kilometres of railway tracks have been electrified and 36,000 kilometres of new tracks have been added. These improvements are expected to reduce travel time significantly across major routes. Impact on travel patterns With faster trains, the minister said that passengers may increasingly prefer rail travel over air travel on certain routes. For example, travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai is expected to reduce to about 78 minutes, while Delhi to Varanasi could take around 3 hours and 50 minutes. He added that such improvements could change travel patterns, with railways becoming a more preferred option for short and medium distances. What this means for India The rise of electronics exports alongside improvements in infrastructure reflects broader economic changes. Increased manufacturing, better connectivity and new technologies are contributing to this shift. As India continues to expand its capabilities in electronics and transportation, these developments may play an important role in shaping long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.

India’s electronics exports have emerged as one of the top three export categories, signalling a shift in the country’s trade pattern, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026.

‘Smartphones lead exports’: What’s driving India’s electronics growth

The Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is playing a crucial role in India's electronics manufacturing and electronics export, highlighted the state's Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. He projected that Tamil Nadu's electronics exports in 2025-26 would even surpass the $18bn mark, which is expected to be well over 40% of India's projected $45bn electronics exports for the same period. Rajaa was addressing 'Source India- Electronics Supply Chain,' a Business-to-Business platform of the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA). Mentioning that India's electronics manufacturing industry aims to hit $500 billion output by 2030, Rajaa said that Tamil Nadu's share would likely be at $150 billion then. To further boost the state's potential, Rajaa urged industry to go beyond manufacturing and services, to invest in R&amp;D, while also involving academia to identify the possibilities and areas that need attention. He said that the Tamil Nadu government's providing additional incentive packages beyond the Central government's packages has helped it bag five of seven projects under the first phase of the electronics component manufacturing scheme and 69% of all jobs in the second phase. He also expressed concern over the Central Government not releasing the latest state-wise data on electronics exports for the ongoing financial year. Electronics is no longer just an industry, it is the infrastructure for modern civilisation- from mobility and healthcare to defence, energy, AI and space-it sits at the core of every national priority, said Dr Sasikumar Gendham, President, ELCINA. "To power India’s rise as the world’s electronics engine, we must move from assembly to value creation, from cost advantage to capability advantage, and from fragmentation to strong ecosystem thinking—integrating MSMEs, academia and supplier development," he added. As part of the inaugural session, ELCINA released its latest report titled “Tamil Nadu’s Electronics Industry – Status and Growth of the Industry,” highlighting the state’s manufacturing performance, export growth and opportunities for deeper localisation. The report highlighted that Tamil Nadu had 191 units connected to electronics manufacturing, and it is also the state with the largest number of mobile phone manufacturing units and those making related components. Speaking at the event, Atul Lall, Vice Chairman &amp; Managing Director, Dixon Technologies India Ltd. &amp; Past President ELCINA, said, “India’s electronics manufacturing sector is entering a phase of accelerated growth, driven by scale, policy support and increasing global confidence. The next phase of competitiveness will depend on deeper localisation, strong component ecosystems and continued investment in technology and skills. Platforms like Source India play a vital role in strengthening industry collaboration and positioning India as a trusted and resilient partner in global supply chains.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-run-for-more-than-20-years-without-refueling-how-long-does-it-really-take-to-refuel-the-uss-abraham-lincoln-1770642696577">How can the USS Abraham Lincoln go more than 20 years without refueling?</a>

TRB Rajaa said that the state government's providing additional incentive packages beyond the Central government's packages has helped it bag five of seven projects under the first phase of the electronics component manufacturing scheme and 69% of all jobs in the 2nd phase.

The Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is playing a crucial role in India's electronics manufacturing and electronics export, highlighted the state's Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. He projected that Tamil Nadu's electronics exports in 2025-26 would even surpass the $18bn mark, which is expected to be well over 40% of India's projected $45bn electronics exports for the same period. Rajaa was addressing 'Source India- Electronics Supply Chain,' a Business-to-Business platform of the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA). Mentioning that India's electronics manufacturing industry aims to hit $500 billion output by 2030, Rajaa said that Tamil Nadu's share would likely be at $150 billion then. To further boost the state's potential, Rajaa urged industry to go beyond manufacturing and services, to invest in R&D, while also involving academia to identify the possibilities and areas that need attention. He said that the Tamil Nadu government's providing additional incentive packages beyond the Central government's packages has helped it bag five of seven projects under the first phase of the electronics component manufacturing scheme and 69% of all jobs in the second phase. He also expressed concern over the Central Government not releasing the latest state-wise data on electronics exports for the ongoing financial year. Electronics is no longer just an industry, it is the infrastructure for modern civilisation- from mobility and healthcare to defence, energy, AI and space-it sits at the core of every national priority, said Dr Sasikumar Gendham, President, ELCINA. "To power India’s rise as the world’s electronics engine, we must move from assembly to value creation, from cost advantage to capability advantage, and from fragmentation to strong ecosystem thinking—integrating MSMEs, academia and supplier development," he added. As part of the inaugural session, ELCINA released its latest report titled “Tamil Nadu’s Electronics Industry – Status and Growth of the Industry,” highlighting the state’s manufacturing performance, export growth and opportunities for deeper localisation. The report highlighted that Tamil Nadu had 191 units connected to electronics manufacturing, and it is also the state with the largest number of mobile phone manufacturing units and those making related components. Speaking at the event, Atul Lall, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Dixon Technologies India Ltd. & Past President ELCINA, said, “India’s electronics manufacturing sector is entering a phase of accelerated growth, driven by scale, policy support and increasing global confidence. The next phase of competitiveness will depend on deeper localisation, strong component ecosystems and continued investment in technology and skills. Platforms like Source India play a vital role in strengthening industry collaboration and positioning India as a trusted and resilient partner in global supply chains.” Also read: How can the USS Abraham Lincoln go more than 20 years without refueling?

TRB Rajaa said that the state government's providing additional incentive packages beyond the Central government's packages has helped it bag five of seven projects under the first phase of the electronics component manufacturing scheme and 69% of all jobs in the 2nd phase.

India's electronics exports could hit $45bn; Tamil Nadu's share over $18bn

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