India is gearing up to become a global toy manufacturing powerhouse with a ₹13,000 crore incentive scheme. Spearheaded by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the plan aims to reduce import dependence, boost domestic production, and position India as a cost-effective alternative to China and Vietnam.
Playtime Gets Serious: India’s ₹13,000 Crore Push to Dominate Global Toy Market
In a strategic move to transform India into a global hub for toy manufacturing, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is finalizing a ₹13,000 crore incentive scheme. The initiative is designed to boost domestic production, reduce import reliance, and challenge the dominance of global players like China and Vietnam, who currently control over 58% of the global toy export market.
Key Highlights of the Toy Sector Plan:
Massive Incentive Scheme in the Works
The ₹13,000 crore plan includes direct incentives linked to turnover and sales of toy manufacturers.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Union Cabinet for approval soon.
Strategic Goals
Reduce India’s dependence on imported toys, especially from China.
Encourage cost-effective, high-quality local production to meet both domestic and international demand.
Policy Support and Infrastructure
The scheme will be backed by policy facilitation, design support, and modern manufacturing infrastructure.
Focus areas include safety standards, innovation, and sustainable materials.
Budget 2025 Backing
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier announced toy sector support in the 2025 Union Budget, emphasizing employment generation and entrepreneurship in labor-intensive industries.
Global Market Opportunity
With rising global scrutiny on Chinese exports and a growing demand for ethically sourced, eco-friendly toys, India sees a strategic opening to capture market share.
Industry Response
Toy manufacturers have welcomed the move, citing the need for long-term policy stability and export incentives to scale operations.
This initiative is part of India’s broader ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, aiming to turn the country into a creative and competitive manufacturing base for toys that are not only fun but also safe, sustainable, and globally appealing.
Sources: Business Standard Hindi, Moneycontrol, CAalley