India is set to launch a new incentive scheme for mobile manufacturing starting April 2026, replacing the expiring Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program to drive exports and local component use by giants like Apple and Samsung.
New Export-Focused Subsidies
The government plans tiered rewards linking subsidies to export volumes and percentage of locally sourced parts, such as displays and camera modules, shifting from pure production boosts. This aims to position India as a global export hub amid US-China trade shifts, with consultations underway via the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Apple’s Major Push in India
Apple targets producing most US-bound iPhones in India by year-end, leveraging facilities like Foxconn and Tata to hit $50 billion in exports already achieved. Samsung and suppliers stand to gain similarly, supporting Modi’s $500 billion electronics goal by 2030.
Economic Impact
Last fiscal, India made $60 billion in phones—a 28x decade rise—thanks to prior $21 billion PLI support. The fresh plan counters risks from invalidated US tariffs on China, enhancing India’s edge in global supply chains.
