India is on the cusp of a major technological revolution. The dream of having a homegrown premium mobile brand that can rival global giants like Apple is closer than ever, while speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared a visionary roadmap for India's electronics sector, signaling a shift from being a manufacturing hub to a global brand creator.
A Historic Announcement at Davos
During a session focused on India's growing electronics prowess, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was asked when the country would see its own 'Apple'. His response was both definitive and promising, while he stated that India has successfully built a comprehensive electronics ecosystem over the past few years. According to the minister, a domestic mobile brand is expected to emerge within the next 12 to 18 months, marking a significant milestone in the 'Make in India' journey.
Building a World-Class Electronics Ecosystem
The minister emphasized that the groundwork for this massive leap has already been laid. Manufacturing a smartphone involves thousands of intricate processes and a complex supply chain. Vaishnaw noted that India has mastered these complexities, moving beyond simple assembly to deep manufacturing. With the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes showing remarkable results, the infrastructure is now ripe for an Indian brand to take center stage and compete on a global scale.
The Vision for an Indian 'Apple'
The comparison to Apple isn't just about sales but. About the brand equity and innovation that the tech giant represents. Ashwini Vaishnaw believes that with the current momentum, Indian companies are ready to design and develop high-end devices that resonate with global consumers. The goal is to create a brand that stands for quality, innovation, and trust,. Much like the craze seen for premium international brands in the Indian market today.
Strategic Meetings with IBM and Meta
On the sidelines of the WEF, Vaishnaw held high-level discussions with global tech leaders, including IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan. These meetings highlighted India's emerging role as a global engine of innovation, while the discussions revolved around collaborative growth, the integration of advanced technologies, and how India can lead the next wave of digital transformation.
Tackling AI and Deepfakes
Beyond hardware, the minister also addressed the critical issues of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital safety, while in his talks with Meta, the focus was on protecting users from the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. Vaishnaw reiterated that India’s strategy isn't just to be a consumer of AI but to be a dominant force in the global AI ecosystem, ensuring that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than deception.
