Karnataka to draft vision document to boost mobile and electronics manufacturing, target $150 billion investment

Karnataka is taking steps to further strengthen its position in India’s electronics manufacturing sector. State Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil directed officials to prepare a vision document aimed at boosting mobile and electronics product manufacturing and design in the state, targeting investments of USD 150 billion.

Patil on December 4 held detailed discussions with a high-level delegation led by Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). The minister said that the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT had announced an Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) in April this year, and Karnataka is exploring a parallel scheme for the state, currently under feasibility study. “The proposal is still in the draft stage, and we welcome suggestions from ICEA,” he said.

Patil highlighted Karnataka’s potential not only in mobile-phone components but also in industrial and strategic electronics. Officials have been instructed to study the Union Government’s scheme alongside similar policies in other states to ensure a robust framework for attracting investment.

ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said the Union scheme prioritises sub-assemblies such as displays, camera modules, and essential manufacturing equipment, offering performance-linked incentives and up to 25 percent capital subsidy, with Rs 22,900 crore earmarked for the scheme. As of November 2025, 17 investment proposals worth Rs 7,172 crore had been cleared, expected to create 11,800 direct jobs and generate products valued over Rs 65,000 crore.

India’s electronics sector has seen exponential growth over the last decade, particularly in mobile phone production, which has expanded over 2,700 percent, with exports multiplying 130 times and more than 13 lakh jobs created. Karnataka accounts for over 21.3 percent of India’s mobile phone exports and roughly 20 percent of overall electronics exports, with mobile phones comprising nearly 65 percent of the state’s total electronics exports, according to a statement from ICEA.

Mohindroo added, “Karnataka has emerged as one of India’s most important pillars in electronics manufacturing and exports. The state’s innovation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and progressive policy framework will play a crucial role in deepening value addition, strengthening supply-chain resilience, and driving design-led manufacturing.”