India Is Getting Its Own Smartphone Brand Soon, IT Minister Confirms
PhonesTuesday, 27 January 2026 at 01:44
In recent years, India has emerged as one of the most important smartphone markets in the world. The country now accounts for a large share of global smartphone sales. As a result, India has become a key battleground for many phone makers and one of the most competitive markets overall. It played a major role in the rise of several Chinese brands, including Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo.
The Rise of Original India-branded Smartphones
Seeing the success of foreign companies, the Indian government has introduced measures to benefit from this growth. Policies that encourage local manufacturing have already reshaped the market in recent years. Some of these strategies paid well, with several brands like Oppo, Google, and even Apple surfing in the "made in India" approach. Now, it appears the country wants to go further by investing in its own smartphone brands.
The idea of India-branded smartphones is not new. In the past, companies like Micromax tried to build a strong domestic presence but struggled to compete with powerful and affordable devices from Chinese brands. In many cases, Micromax and others were effectively selling Chinese-made smartphones under Indian branding. They relied on Chinese ODMs and OEMs for design and manufacturing, while promoting themselves as original Indian brands. Despite these efforts, most early Indian smartphone brands failed to keep pace with global competition.
Some brands like LAVA are still alive and kicking. But they compete in a different segment than mainstream brands.
That may soon change. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026, India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the country will soon have its own smartphone brand. According to him, the government has completed all the necessary groundwork. The brand, or possibly multiple brands, could launch within the next 12 to 18 months and is expected to target global markets.
Highlights
- India has become one of the world’s largest and most competitive smartphone markets.
- The country played a key role in the growth of Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo.
- Government policies promoting local manufacturing have already reshaped the industry.
- Past Indian brands such as Micromax struggled, often relying on Chinese ODMs and OEMs.
- India now plans to push beyond manufacturing by developing its own smartphone brand.
- The new brand, backed by government groundwork, could launch within 12–18 months.
- The project is expected to target global markets, not just domestic sales.
- Major investment and long-term strategy will be crucial for success.
It is still unclear what exactly this plan involves. The government could introduce state-backed brands, or it might support private local companies instead. The details remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: building a competitive smartphone brand will require major investment and long-term commitment.
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