Around Rs. Despite being priced at Rs 3 lakh, the ‘iPhone Duo’ was out of stock, indicating the huge demand for premium smartphones in India. According to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, within the next two years – ie by October 2028 – India will have its own smartphone brand. This will include Indian design, manufacturing and intellectual property, which will be able to compete with global companies like Apple and Samsung.

Speaking at a private channel event held in Delhi on October 23, 2026, Vaishnav set a two-year deadline to achieve this goal. He asked the audience to remember this date and said that by October 23, 2028, India will have mobile phones that are completely designed, manufactured and branded in the country.

This statement by the minister comes at a time when India is trying to strengthen its position in the global electronics supply chain. Although smartphone manufacturing in the country has expanded in recent years, developing the technology and intellectual property needed to make a great smartphone is still a huge challenge.

Vaishnav set the target

Vaishnav said that India is working on a smartphone that will incorporate local design capabilities, manufacturing and Indian branding. It said it aims to carve out a niche in a market dominated by international companies like Apple and Samsung. The minister said in the program that today is 23 October 2026. Keep in mind: By October 23, 2028 you will have a mobile phone designed in India, made in India and branded in India. This time frame is very important, because building a smartphone is not just about connecting different parts together. Creating a great device requires a perfect combination of hardware, excellent power management, reliable connectivity and software that works seamlessly with the device’s technology.

Vaishnav explained this challenge by giving the example of smartphone internals. He explained that radio-frequency communication, antennas, computing hardware, memory, cameras, displays and power-management systems have to be fitted together in a small device. The device’s weight, battery performance and limited space inside the handset further add to this engineering challenge. Making all these things work together requires special design capabilities, testing and technical expertise.

Developed the ability to design smartphone motherboards

The minister said the foundation of the proposed Indian smartphone initiative was laid many years ago, when the government challenged domestic designers to develop printed circuit boards (PCBs) for mobile phones. A PCB is an important part of a smartphone’s hardware, connecting and supporting the electronic components that allow the device to function.

According to Vaishnav, two companies accepted the challenge. One of these companies developed such a design, which was later picked up by a major US telecom service provider company. He said that the company has prepared the design of 5G-plus mobile phone and handed it over to the American telecom company. This device has been manufactured and distributed to consumers. He said this proves that Indian companies can acquire the necessary capabilities to compete in the international handset market.

Vaishnav said that the experience gained in the last three and a half years will help India develop its own (domestic branded) phone. Also, the design of this phone and related intellectual property will also remain in the country. The minister expressed confidence that the proposed handset could become very popular in the market. However, during the event, he neither revealed the brand name, nor fixed any launch date, nor did he give any information about the phone’s price or technical specifications.

Why would this be a big step?

India is already an important manufacturing base for smartphones sold by international companies. Making a phone in India and owning the technology and brand behind it are two different things. This distinction is important because a successful domestic brand can give Indian companies the opportunity to gain expertise in many aspects of the industry, from product design and hardware engineering to intellectual property and sales.

This may also create opportunities for local suppliers and electronics companies. Its actual impact will depend on how much technology is developed locally, what the production scale is, and whether the finished devices can compete with others in terms of price, performance and reliability.

Apple and Samsung have established their business globally with their extensive product ecosystem, distribution network and loyal customers. Any Indian brand entering the market has to win the trust of consumers and give them a clear reason why they should choose its devices over existing alternatives.

Exports are increasing continuously

The minister also discussed the sweeping changes taking place in India’s manufacturing sector. He attributed this to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative launched in 2014, which has helped boost domestic production and improve the country’s manufacturing capabilities. Vaishnav criticized the regulatory approach of the previous Congress-led governments, saying excessive restrictions had prevented the manufacturing sector from growing. He said that while assessing the current industrial status of a country, its economic and political history should also be kept in mind.

He cited the production of mobile phones, drones, missiles, trains and other advanced components as proof of the progress of Indian manufacturers. According to the minister, electronics has now become India’s third largest export category and he expects it to move to the second position in the near future.

The proposed Indian smartphone brand will be another test of this progress. If the initiative is successful, India can move further up the ‘value chain’ – from making devices for global brands to developing and selling phones under its own name.

The biggest question for consumers is what such a phone will offer. Its price, features, software support, quality and availability will ultimately determine whether a device designed and branded in India can carve out a permanent niche for itself in a market where companies like Apple and Samsung already have a strong hold.