India needs to build stronger domestic capabilities in critical technologies while continuing to remain open to global technology and international supply chains, Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 13th Annual Public Affairs Forum of India 2026 in New Delhi, Krishnan said India should develop sufficient domestic capacity to protect itself against possible technology denial and supply disruptions.
He said technological self-reliance should not mean trying to manufacture everything within the country. Instead, India needs to establish a strong position in strategically important parts of global technology value chains.
The approach covers areas ranging from electronic products such as mobile phones and laptops to software and digital platforms.
Krishnan also pointed to India’s growing electronics manufacturing capabilities. He said the country is manufacturing nearly 99.2 per cent of domestic mobile phone demand.
India’s mobile phone exports have also expanded significantly, with the United States becoming an important market. Krishnan said India exported more than $20 billion worth of mobile phones to the US last year.
At the same time, he noted that India remains dependent on other countries for several technologies and components. He said the country’s strategy should therefore combine access to global technology with the development of domestic capabilities.
The comments come as India continues to strengthen its electronics and technology manufacturing ecosystem, including semiconductor production, electronics design and digital platforms.
The government has been seeking to increase India’s role in global technology supply chains while reducing vulnerabilities in areas considered strategically important.
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