Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 30: India’s iPhone exports touched a record high of around Rs 2 trillion in FY26, marking a major milestone in the country’s electronics manufacturing push under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, according to a report.
Data submitted by vendors to the government shows that Apple’s iPhone has emerged as India’s single largest branded export across all major product categories under the Harmonised System (HS) code framework.
As per 11-month FY26 data (April–February) released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s total smartphone exports stood at about Rs 2.6 trillion (approximately $29.4 billion), with iPhones alone accounting for over 75 per cent, or nearly Rs 2 trillion.
The figures place iPhone exports well ahead of other leading export categories, including automotive diesel fuel, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, and motor gasoline.
The growth highlights Apple’s central role in India’s “Make in India” initiative, supported by a robust supply chain comprising over 40 domestic firms along with global partners such as Japan’s TDK Corporation and Taiwanese joint ventures. Notably, Chinese companies have largely been excluded from Apple’s India ecosystem.
Since the launch of the PLI scheme, iPhone exports from India have witnessed a sharp rise—from negligible levels to Rs 2 trillion within five years. Exports increased from Rs 9,351.6 crore in FY22 to Rs 44,269.5 crore in FY23, then to Rs 85,013.5 crore in FY24, and further to Rs 1.5 trillion in FY25.
In FY26, exports grew by about 33 per cent during the first 11 months despite global trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
The report noted that Tata Electronics and Foxconn have contributed almost equally to Apple’s exports from India. Together, they operate some of the country’s largest electronics manufacturing units, employing tens of thousands of workers, with women comprising over 70 per cent of the workforce.
Overall, Apple’s India manufacturing ecosystem, including its supplier network, is estimated to employ around 2.5 lakh people, underlining its expanding footprint in the country.