India Accelerates Telecom Manufacturing Revolution

The Indian government is establishing telecommunication equipment manufacturing zones, aiming to boost foreign direct investments. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's significant growth in mobile phone production and exports. The new Cisco facility in Tamil Nadu is expected to enhance employment, innovation, and showcase 'Made in India' products globally.

India is setting up telecommunication equipment manufacturing zones to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia.

Scindia reported that in the last decade, India has exported mobile phones worth Rs 1.28 lakh crore, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Previously reliant on imports, India has become the world's second-largest producer, with value addition in mobile phones increasing by 20%.

With USD 39 billion worth of FDI, the telecom sector is expected to see revolutionary growth. India's rapid 5G rollout has already covered 98% of cities. State-owned BSNL is set to launch 4G services using indigenous technology, aiming for nationwide coverage by mid-2025.

Scindia and Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa inaugurated Cisco's first manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, which will bolster India's position as a global telecom manufacturing hub. The plant will create high-quality jobs and boost the local economy by manufacturing and exporting Network Convergence System routers.

The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister M K Stalin, is committed to supporting high-tech companies like Cisco to ensure the localization of their supply chains, further benefiting the micro, small, and medium enterprise sectors.

(With inputs from agencies.)