India Launches Mobile Manufacturing Scheme to Revive Homegrown Smartphone Brands
The government approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, succeeding PLI programmes, to build globally competitive Indian smartphone brands as domestic players lose share. India remains a key export hub for Apple, Foxconn, Tata Electronics and Dixon.
What happened
Government of India (MPMS) · Government approves Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme succeeding PLI programmes, aiming to build globally competitive Indian
Why this matters
The scheme's focus on reviving Indian smartphone brands creates M&A and partnership openings around weakened domestic players and export-hub manufacturers positioned to capture incentives.
What to watch
- Official scheme notification with disbursement criteria and value-addition targets
- Domestic smartphone market share data (Counterpoint/IDC quarterly)
- New component-plant announcements from global suppliers
- Apple India production/export milestone disclosures
- Chinese OEM response on local manufacturing commitments
- Track scheme fine print for eligibility thresholds favoring domestic brands vs. EMS players
- Monitor Dixon/Tata Electronics capex and JV announcements post-approval
- Watch Indian brand (Lava, Micromax) product launch and financing signals
- Assess Apple/Foxconn India export volume guidance for FY26
- Model component supplier FDI inflows tied to localization mandates