New Delhi:
India is emerging as a global economic powerhouse, fueled by remarkable achievements in the export sector. Over the past decade, the country has gone from being heavily dependent on imports to becoming a global leader in exports across several sectors. The remarkable turnaround, a direct result of the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, is reflected in India's ability to leverage advanced technology, innovative practices and competitive manufacturing to meet global demand.
Products once synonymous with Western markets, such as smartphones, electric cars, fries or premium coffee, are now proudly made in India and exported worldwide. From daily consumables to high-tech gadgets and eco-friendly vehicles, India is no longer just a consumer, but a creator and supplier to the world.
The 'Make in India' iPhone story
Enabled by the Modi government's smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) program, a major American company like Apple not only manufactures in India but also exports its products to other countries. In 2024, Apple exported iPhones worth over Rs 1 lakh crore from India, which was a record-breaking feat.
The value of India's iPhone exports has increased by 42 percent in just one year, from $9 billion in 2023 to $12.8 billion in 2024. Domestic production of iPhones also grew by almost 46 percent, and the local contribution to production (value addition) increased. up to 15-20 percent.
India's first EV export
French automaker Citroen, which entered the Indian market in 2021, is now exporting the 'Made in India' electric car (EV) to international markets. The company has made significant investments in India, including building a factory in Tamil Nadu. In April 2024, the company exported its first batch of 'Citroen e-C3' EVs from Kamarajar port to Indonesia, demonstrating India's ability to produce high-quality electric vehicles for the world.
Citroen's success shows how India is making progress in the automotive sector, especially in cleaner and greener technologies. It shows that India is not only a strategic market, but also a major sourcing center for vehicles, parts and mobility technologies.
'Made-in-India' Maruti Fronx goes global
The Indian automotive industry reached another milestone when Maruti Suzuki's Fronx SUV became a hit in the Japanese market. This is Maruti Suzuki India's first SUV to be launched in Japan and marks a proud moment for the country.
Maruti Suzuki shipped the first consignment of over 1,600 units of the 'Made-in-India' cars to Japan in August 2024. The SUV is currently exported to more than 70 countries around the world.
French fries exporters
In the mid-2000s, India imported more than 5,000 tons of French fries, a popular American snack, annually. Imports peaked at 7,863 tonnes in 2010-2011 (March-April). In recent years, however, India has become an important exporter of the potato product.
In 2023-24, the country exported 135,877 tonnes of chips worth Rs 1,478.73 crore, reaching markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Japan and Taiwan.
Successful brewing with Indian coffee
The Indian coffee industry has experienced remarkable growth, with exports almost doubling in the past four years. In the financial year 2023-24, coffee exports reached an impressive $1.29 billion, compared to $719.42 million in 2020-21, making India the seventh largest coffee producer in the world. Indian coffee is now a favorite across international borders.