New Delhi: The Centre’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme has attracted investments exceeding ₹2.16 lakh crore and generated more than 14.39 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

According to the official statement, cumulative sales by manufacturing units approved under the PLI scheme have crossed ₹20.41 lakh crore, while total exports have surpassed ₹8.3 lakh crore. The government has disbursed ₹28,748 crore as production-linked incentives to eligible companies.

A total of 836 applications across 14 sectors have been approved under the PLI scheme for manufacturing, reinforcing the Centre’s push to boost domestic production, enhance exports and reduce import dependence.

Electronics manufacturing gains momentum

The scheme has significantly strengthened India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, positioning the country as a global hub for mobile phones and IT hardware, including laptops, tablets, servers and all-in-one personal computers. Mobile phone imports have declined by nearly 77 per cent since FY 2020–21, with more than 99 per cent of domestic demand now being met through local manufacturing.

Production has expanded beyond basic assembly to include printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), batteries, camera and display modules, enclosures and other key sub-assemblies, enabling deeper integration into global value chains. Domestic IT hardware manufacturing capacity has also grown, supported by progressive localisation of components.

Pharma, medical devices and bulk drugs

Under the PLI scheme for pharmaceuticals, 191 bulk drugs are being manufactured domestically for the first time, leading to import substitution worth approximately ₹1,785 crore and raising domestic value addition to 83.7 per cent.

The initiative has also supported the indigenous development of biosimilars, monoclonal antibodies and new chemical entities, strengthening pharmaceutical exports and supply chain resilience. In the medical devices segment, local production of imaging systems, implants and diagnostic equipment has reduced reliance on imports through the adoption of globally benchmarked quality standards.

Auto, telecom and advanced manufacturing

The scheme has catalysed investments in electric mobility, power electronics and advanced safety systems. Reported sales of ₹32,879 crore in FY 2025–26 reflect early traction in technology-driven automotive manufacturing and supplier ecosystem development.

In the telecom and networking products sector, sales have increased more than sixfold over the base year (FY 2019–20), with exports rising to ₹21,033 crore. A key milestone has been the deployment of India’s indigenous end-to-end 4G technology stack by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, placing India among a limited group of countries with such capability.

Food processing, white goods and textiles

Under the PLI programme, over ₹9,200 crore has been invested in approved food processing projects. Adoption of advanced technologies such as ARBBM spice processing systems, Tetra Recart packaging and automated seafood processing equipment has enhanced quality, efficiency and export readiness.

In the white goods sector, covering air conditioners and LED lighting, domestic production has begun for critical components such as compressors, motors, copper tubes and LED drivers. Domestic value addition is projected to reach 75–80 per cent by 2028–29, strengthening India’s component manufacturing base.

The scheme has also supported a shift towards high-value man-made fibre and technical textiles, with integration of PM MITRA Parks enabling scale manufacturing and improved logistics infrastructure.

Renewable energy push

Under Tranche I and II of the PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules, the government aims to establish 48 GW of fully integrated solar photovoltaic manufacturing capacity. Investment commitments of nearly ₹52,942 crore are expected to significantly reduce import dependence in the renewable energy sector.

The latest data underscore the expanding footprint of the PLI scheme in India, positioning manufacturing as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and export competitiveness.

IANS