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From solar panels to telecom: India’s electronics exports hit record highs

India's electronics exports jumped 32% in FY25, with non-smartphone shipments crossing $14B. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka led the growth, powered by solar panels, telecom gear, and semiconductors. Industry bodies say India is on course to hit its $200B export target by 2030.

India’s non-smartphone electronics exports cross $14B in FY25, total shipments hit $38.57B
India’s non-smartphone electronics exports cross $14B in FY25, total shipments hit $38.57B
| Updated on: Aug 21, 2025 | 11:59 AM

India’s electronics export story is no longer just about smartphones. In FY 2024-25, non-smartphone electronics shipments alone crossed $14 billion, pushing the country’s total electronics exports to $38.57 billion. This marks a 32.47 per cent jump from the previous year, according to data released by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).

Smartphones remain the largest contributor, but the real surprise is how other sectors like solar panels, telecom equipment, batteries, and digital processing units have surged. Industry watchers are calling this a turning point for India’s technology economy.

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Solar panels, telecom gear, and medical electronics lead the rise

Breaking down the export numbers shows how wide the base has become:

  • Photovoltaic cells and solar panels generated $1.12 billion.
  • Telecom equipment and parts added $1.4 billion.
  • Rectifiers, inverters, and chargers crossed $2.5 billion.
  • Medical electronics contributed $0.4 billion.
  • PCs and digital processing units brought in $0.81 billion.

Electronics now account for 9 per cent of India’s total merchandise exports, up from 6.73 per cent last year. “This is more than a number, it’s a statement of resilience, innovation, and global ambition,” said Sandeep Narula, chairman - global outreach, ESC.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka emerge as top hubs

State-wise data shows Tamil Nadu leading with $14.65 billion in exports, followed by Karnataka at $7.8 billion, Uttar Pradesh at $5.26 billion, Maharashtra at $3.5 billion, and Gujarat at $1.85 billion.

Industry experts believe this is only the beginning. Vinod Sharma, chairman - electronics, ESC, said the government’s push on semiconductors is adding momentum. He pointed to the approval of four new chip-making units worth ₹4,600 crore across Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to projects like Micron’s ₹22,516 crore ATMP facility in Gujarat and Tata Electronics’ ₹91,000 crore fab in Dholera.

A sector powered by schemes and incentives

The ESC credited government initiatives like the production-linked incentive scheme, duty rationalisation, and skilling programmes for this growth. It also highlighted the upcoming Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), which will reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains.

“This is not a flash in the pan, it’s a structural shift,” said Gurmeet Singh, executive director, ESC. He added that India is on track to achieve its $200 billion electronics export target by 2030.

Why this matters for India’s economy

The electronics sector’s rise is not just about numbers. It’s about new jobs, technology transfer, and global competitiveness. With over ₹25,000 crore in foreign direct investment already flowing into electronics manufacturing, India’s ambition of becoming a major global supplier looks more realistic than ever.

The next few years will be crucial. If the semiconductor projects get off the ground smoothly, and if ECMS strengthens the ecosystem, India could see exports in categories like batteries, telecom gear, and renewable tech expand even faster. For now, FY25 stands out as the year when non-smartphone electronics finally made their mark in India’s global trade story.

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