India expands manufacturing and battery sectors through new policy and tech

India is aggressively expanding its manufacturing and energy sectors through new policy frameworks and technological advancements. The government has launched the Rs 62,500-crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) to strengthen the electronics ecosystem. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that Apple could expand its local production beyond iPhones to include MacBooks and iPads, while also supporting the emergence of domestic smartphone brands.

In the energy sector, India is positioning itself as a competitive hub for battery manufacturing, holding a cost advantage over Japan and South Korea. While the country faces challenges with import dependency and the need to scale cell manufacturing, significant progress is being made in alternative technologies. Sodium-ion battery technology is expected to reach commercial production within two to three years, and vanadium flow batteries are also under development.

To support the growing renewable energy sector and prevent solar power curtailment, developers are increasingly integrating battery storage into photovoltaic projects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized a shift toward a “permitted unless prohibited” regulatory philosophy to foster economic growth and stability, positioning India as a global destination for investment and a leader in the green economy.