Archive · 7 Oct 2026
India Plans Fully Homegrown Smartphone for Market by 2028
India wants to make a smartphone using parts and a design made in India.
The government is working with two or three Indian companies on the idea.
The goal is to have the phone ready for shoppers by the end of 2028.
Many phones made in India today are assembled there but use parts from other countries.
The proposed phone is expected to use Android and be aimed at everyday buyers, not the most expensive market.
The government says India already exports many smartphone parts to China.
Making every part locally, especially chips, will be difficult.
The phone’s name, price and exact launch date have not been confirmed.
The government aims to bring a fully Indian-designed and manufactured smartphone to market by the end of 2028.
Two or three Indian companies are reportedly working with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on the project.
The plan seeks domestic production of the phone’s components, design and manufacturing, rather than relying on imported parts.
The phone is expected to run Android, target everyday buyers and sit below premium iPhones in features.
Officials cite about Rs 35,000 crore in smartphone-component exports to China, while analysts and government sources acknowledge challenges including local chip production and competition.
- Who
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and two or three Indian companies are reportedly working on the project.
- What
- A smartphone intended to be designed, manufactured and made with components entirely in India.
- When
- The target is the end of 2028; policy guidelines are expected within 30 days, according to the News18 report.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The government aims to develop domestic electronics production and reduce reliance on imported smartphone components.
Government’s case for the project
Concerns and challenges
Manufacturing progress
Government’s case for the project
The government points to growing component production and exports, and says the project could demonstrate a shift from assembly to domestic components and design.
Concerns and challenges
Rahul Gandhi has questioned the government’s manufacturing record, and Raghuram Rajan has said India remains short of its manufacturing potential.
Feasibility and market prospects
Government’s case for the project
The plan aims to create an Indian-made phone for ordinary consumers and support domestic electronics production.
Concerns and challenges
Government sources and industry analysts cited by News18 say making every component locally, especially chips, will be difficult, while established brands dominate a crowded market.
- Target market timing
- By the end of 2028
- Reported project partners
- Two or three Indian companies and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Intended scope
- Indian components, design and manufacturing, with no imported components
- Expected operating system
- Google’s Android
- Expected market position
- Everyday, affordable segment; reportedly three or four levels below a high-end iPhone in features
- Component exports to China
- About Rs 35,000 crore, according to government sources
- Unconfirmed details
- The brand name, exact launch date and price have not been finalised
- Reported scheme incentives
- News18 reports a 5% sales incentive, with an additional 3% for local design and research; eligible companies must be at least 51% Indian-owned and hold core phone design rights
