India’s Smartphone Surge: Can the Boom Outpace China’s Shadow?

India's smartphone sector is at a turning point. As global supply chains are reconfigured and geopolitical tensions are kept at a boil, the country's superpower smartphone nation aspiration is being tested. Can India's huge smartphone economy work without China?

 

Key Highlights:

 

Foxconn's Big Move: Foxconn has started trial production of the iPhone 17 in India, a move that is Apple's aggressive push to localize and cut reliance on China. This follows after hundreds of Chinese engineers went back home, casting doubts on India's ability to ramp up without Chinese assistance.

 

Record Exports & Manufacturing Boom. India is set to account for 20% of world smartphone manufacturing in 2025, spearheaded by Apple and Samsung in exports. Smartphone exports from India rose 55% year on year to $24.14 billion, with more than $17.4 billion worth of iPhones alone.

 

Chinese Brands, Indian Factories: The Chinese giants Oppo, Realme, and Hisense are now exporting Indian-made phones to West Asian, African, and even US markets. Government nudging has prompted these companies to go deeper into local partnerships, set up Indian supply chains, and induct more Indians into key positions.

 

PLI Push & New Launches: India's government production-linked incentive (PLI) program is fueling growth. Large July 2025 launches from Nothing, Samsung, Vivo, and Tecno are focusing on 5G and AI smartphones such as sub-Rs 10,000 budget phones.

 

Dependence Persists: India remains reliant on China for core components and equipment, with nearly 40% of electronic input from Chinese firms. The sudden withdrawal of Chinese workers from Foxconn shows that problems of talent and technology transfer persist to haunt the nation.

Market Outlook: India's smartphone market is expected to grow 5-6% in the current year driven by demand for premium and strong export tailwinds, though a weakening rupee and higher input costs could dampen growth.

 

Source: Startup News FYI, Business Today, The Economic Times, The Hindu Business Line, Economic Times Tech, Trak.in, IndBiz, India TV News, B2B Export Import Academy