Union IT Ministry releases roadmap for electronics sector in India

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, released a five-year roadmap and vision document for the electronics sector titled "USD 300 bn Sustainable Electronics Manufacturing & Exports by 2026", as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

As per a press release issued by the ministry, the roadmap, released in association with India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), is the second volume of a two-part vision document - the first of which titled "Increasing India's Electronics Exports and Share in GVCs" was released in November 2021. "This report provides a year-wise break-up and production projections for the various products that will lead India's transformation into a USD 300 billion electronics manufacturing powerhouse, from the current USD 75 billion," read the release.

"Amongst the key products that are expected to lead India's growth in electronics manufacturing include mobile phones, IT hardware (laptops, tablets), consumer electronics (TV and audio), industrial electronics, auto electronics, electronic components, LED Lighting, strategic electronics, PCBA, wearables and hearables, and telecom equipment. Mobile manufacturing that is expected to cross USD 100 billion annual production - up from the current USD 30 billion - is expected to constitute nearly 40 per cent of this ambitious growth," it added.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, congratulated and lauded the entire team of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology for their efforts in bringing out the documents and policy framework items at this remarkable speed. During the event, Vaishnaw also addressed some points raised by industry leaders during the recent interaction with him. Addressing the industry's apprehensions over the issue of dual regulations in mobile manufacturing, the Minister clarified that the telecom department is not going to enter into mobile manufacturing and the mobile manufacturing regulatory regime will remain the same.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State, Electronics & IT and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said that Ministry is focusing on broadening and deepening of electronics industry in India in line with Prime Minister's recent statement at World Economic Forum, where he said that India is emerging as a reliable and trusted partner in value chains.

The domestic market is expected to increase from US$65 billion to US$180 billion over the next 5 years. This will make electronics amongst India's 2-3 top ranking exports by 2026. Of the US$300 billion, exports are expected to increase from the projected US$15 billion in 2021-22 to US$120 billion by 2026.