India to Launch Homegrown Smartphone Brands for Global Markets Within 18 Months: IT Minister

India aims to launch Indian smartphone brands for global buyers within 12 to 18 months, according to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Vaishnaw said policy work is largely complete. The plan targets export markets as well as Indian consumers.

Vaishnaw linked the goal of Indian smartphone brands to the growth of domestic electronics manufacturing. The Minister said production-linked schemes and state support had attracted component makers. According to Vaishnaw, this has helped move India from basic assembly to a wider ecosystem. The Minister said this change now supports full-brand development.

Photo Credit: AI Generated

Indian Smartphone Brands and Electronics Ecosystem

The Minister said the government is ready to back Indian smartphone brands as they enter global competition. "Now we have a very substantial electronics ecosystem in our country, this is the time when we will be going for getting our own Indian brand in mobile phones. We have done all the homework that is required to be done," Vaishnaw said. The Minister stressed that the roadmap covers design, production, and supply chains.

Supplier Engagement at Davos

Vaishnaw described recent interactions with suppliers that support Indian smartphone brands. "Today and yesterday, we had significant meetings with the entire ecosystem, which produces the thousands of things that are required to go into a mobile phone. And it's very happy, very satisfying progress. Very soon, maybe another one year from now, or maybe maximum 18 months from now, we should have our own Indian Brands coming out," the Minister added. These talks involved companies making chips, displays, and other parts.

AI Talks and Global Tech Leaders Convene

On the sidelines of the forum, Vaishnaw also focused on artificial intelligence links alongside plans for Indian smartphone brands. The Minister met Google DeepMind CEO and co-founder Demis Hassabis. After the meeting, Hassabis wrote on X, "Great to meet you Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw. Really enjoyed our discussion on AI's incredible potential to benefit humanity & India's important role in realising this," confirming attendance at an upcoming New Delhi summit.

Vaishnaw also hosted OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane. Discussions with Lehane centred on "AI for global good", with Vaishnaw urging both organisations to help shape India's future AI policy. The Minister linked these efforts with a broader technology agenda that includes building Indian smartphone brands for international markets.

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