Three firms explore Indian smartphone-brand revival under ₹62,500 crore incentive scheme

MeitY says three homegrown companies are in talks to use its mobile manufacturing programme, which links incentives to Indian control, sales growth, R&D and local sourcing. A new domestic smartphone brand could launch next year as Chinese brands retain nearly 68% of India sales.

— Source published Fri, 21 Aug, 2026, 19:28 IST · First seen Fri, 21 Aug, 2026, 19:38 IST · Source Mint · Industry

What happened

MeitY Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme · MeitY says three homegrown firms are considering its ₹62,500-crore smartphone manufacturing scheme, with a new Indian

Key facts

  • ₹62,500 crore scheme outlay
  • 3 homegrown companies in talks
  • 5% cash incentive on net annual sales
  • additional 3% R&D incentive
  • 51% Indian ownership and management-control requirement
  • China-based brands held nearly 68% of India phone sales as of June
  • annual smartphone shipments projected at around 130 million
  • ₹100 billion domestic electronics and appliances market
  • ₹5,000 crore minimum annual turnover
  • 2.75% incentive on base sales
  • 5% incentive on sales above base revenue
  • additional 1.5% for local component sourcing
  • 25% local sourcing volume across five component types

Why this matters

Consumer-electronics companies should assess partnerships, acquisitions and component-supply alliances with emerging Indian handset brands before incentive-linked localisation reshapes the competitive landscape.