Introduction
India’s set an ambitious goal — achieving USD 500 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2030–31. While consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, and wearables often grab the headlines, industry leaders are pointing toward a less glamorous but far more transformative segment: industrial and infrastructure electronics.
The India.s Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has made it clear — if India wants to be a true global manufacturing powerhouse, it must prioritise the electronics that power factories, cities, transport systems, and critical infrastructure. These aren’t the gadgets we hold in our hands; they are the “brains and nervous system” of modern industrial automation.
Quick Overview
ICEA’s Call to Action – Industrial electronics must be a central pillar in India’s electronics growth strategy.
National Strategic Priority – Automation and smart systems are the backbone of advanced manufacturing.
High-Skill Job Potential – Robotics, AI systems, and automation software could create thousands of high-value jobs.
Global Hub Ambition – India must design and manufacture industrial electronics, not just use them.
Policy Roadmap in Motion – ICEA’s Steering Committee is working with industry leaders and the government on a dedicated strategy.
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Why Industrial Electronics Matter for India’s Manufacturing Future
When people hear “electronics manufacturing,” they often think of smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.
But industrial electronics is the invisible force that drives the modern economy—from robotic assembly lines in factories to automated cargo handling at ports.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, puts it plainly:
“Industrial electronics is the brain and nervous system of every advanced manufacturing setup. Without leadership here, India cannot claim true manufacturing leadership.”
This means automation, AI-powered systems, and smart infrastructure must be just as much a priority as producing consumer gadgets.
The Economic Multiplier Effect
The industrial electronics sector isn’t just about machines—it’s about building a high-skilled workforce and an innovation-driven economy. ICEA highlights several areas with huge potential:
- Embedded systems for automation
- Robotics and AI integration
- Industrial IoT (Internet of Things)
- Automation software development
- Smart grids and intelligent transport systems
These technologies don’t just make manufacturing more efficient—they multiply productivity across entire industries.
India’s Global Ambition: From User to Creator
Currently, India imports much of its advanced industrial electronics. But ICEA wants to flip the script. The goal is to make India a global design and manufacturing hub for this sector, similar to how it has built leadership in software services.
Manish Walia, VP at Delta Electronics, describes the vision:
“Industrial electronics forms the technological backbone of modern manufacturing—powering smart factories, robotics, intelligent grids, automated systems, and future-ready transport.”
By leading in this space, India could supply automation tech to factories worldwide, not just within its own borders.
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The Policy Push: ICEA’s Roadmap
To turn this vision into reality, ICEA has formed a Steering Committee on Industrial Electronics and Infrastructure.
This group includes senior leaders from Delta Electronics, Infineon Technologies, Festo, Fanuc, Rockwell Automation India, Feedback Advisory, and the Federation for Economic Development.
The committee is working closely with the government to craft policies that will:
- Incentivise domestic manufacturing of industrial electronics
- Invest in R&D hubs and innovation clusters
- Develop talent pipelines for automation engineering and AI
- Encourage public-private partnerships for infrastructure tech projects
Industry Leaders Back the Push
Members of ICEA’s Steering Committee on Industrial Electronics include senior executives from Delta Electronics, Infineon Technologies, Festo, Fanuc, Rockwell Automation India, Feedback Advisory, and the Federation for Economic Development.
According to Manish Walia, VP at Delta Electronics,
“Industrial electronics forms the technological backbone of modern manufacturing infrastructure, powering everything from robotics to future-ready transport networks.”
Looking Ahead
ICEA’s roadmap is clear: integrate industrial electronics into the heart of India’s manufacturing strategy. This means coordinated policy-making between government, industry leaders, and global tech partners.
If successful, India won’t just be assembling products for global brands — it will be designing and building the advanced systems that make future factories, cities, and transportation networks possible.
Bottom line: Industrial electronics may not be the most visible part of India’s $500 billion manufacturing vision, but they are the invisible force that can make it a reality. Without them, the dream remains incomplete. With them, India could lead the next global wave of smart manufacturing.
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Conclusion
India journey toward becoming a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse hinges on embracing the full spectrum of the industry — especially the critical yet often overlooked industrial electronics segment.
By focusing on automation technologies, embedded systems, and smart infrastructure electronics, India can unlock immense economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and establish itself as a leader in the next industrial revolution.
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