The Economic Survey 2025-26 argues that India must move beyond import substitution toward strategic indispensability in global value chains. It frames manufacturing not as one sector among many but as a strategic national asset requiring mission-mode intervention.

As the Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran had indicated in an opinion piece ahead of the Economic Survey, geopolitics and global uncertainty emerged as defining themes of the report. While these forces pose clear risks to India, the Survey underscored the imperative of strengthening domestic fundamentals to cushion against external shocks—recognising that the global environment may yet deteriorate. As the proverb goes, a house built on strong foundations can withstand any storm.

The Indian electronics sector has transformed, with the incentive scheme pushing mobile manufacturing to Rs 9.34 lakh crore production and Rs 5.12 lakh crore exports by September 2025. The structural change has positioned electronics as India’s third-largest and fastest-growing export category, driven by mobile production advancements.

An investment of Rs 13,759 crore under the incentive scheme to boost mobile phone manufacturing led to total production of Rs 9.34 lakh crore and exports of Rs 5.12 lakh crore until September 2025, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said on Thursday.

India’s industrial sector is showing remarkable strength, with the Industry Gross Value Added (GVA) experiencing a notable 7.0% year-on-year increase in real terms during the first half of FY2025-26. This growth marks a significant rebound following a 5.9% expansion in the previous fiscal year, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26 presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama

India should facilitate more visas for skilled professionals to boost growth in the Information Technology (IT) Services sector, the Economic Survey 2025-26 has stated. Further, it has recommended recognising the unique requirements of data centres—access to green energy, tax clarity for digital services, reskilling, and a supportive policy environment for innovation and scaling.

The Economic Survey 25-26, tabled on January 29, highlights that India’s electronics sector has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial transformation and global trade strategy.The sector is currently witnessing a profound structural transformation. Moving from a domestic-focused industry, it ascended from the seventh-largest export category in FY22 to the third-largest and fastest-growing in FY25.