India is set to introduce its own smartphone brands for the global market within the next 12 to 18 months, marking a major step in the country’s electronics manufacturing journey. The announcement was made by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, where he said the government has completed the groundwork needed to support homegrown mobile phone brands.

“Now we have a very substantial electronics ecosystem in our country, this is the time when we will be going for getting our own Indian brand in mobile phones. We have done all the homework that is required to be done,” Vaishnaw said.
 

He pointed out that the sector has reached a level of maturity that supports such an ambition, noting extensive engagement with component manufacturers. “Today and yesterday, we had significant meetings with the entire ecosystem, which produces the thousands of things that are required to go into a mobile phone. And it's very happy, very satisfying progress. Very soon, maybe another one year from now, or maybe maximum 18 months from now, we should have our own Indian Brands coming out,” the Minister added.

On the sidelines of the forum, Vaishnaw also held meetings with Google DeepMind CEO and co-founder Demis Hassabis and OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane.
After the interaction, Hassabis posted on X, expressing confidence in deeper collaboration with India. “Great to meet you Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw. Really enjoyed our discussion on AI’s incredible potential to benefit humanity & India’s important role in realising this,” he wrote, confirming his participation in an upcoming summit in New Delhi.
 

Vaishnaw also hosted Chris Lehane of OpenAI for discussions centred on “AI for global good”, urging both organisations to play an active role in shaping India’s forthcoming policy frameworks.