India must build large PCB units to cut 75% import reliance and secure electronics supply chains, says industry report.
New Delhi (Economy India): India must establish 10 to 12 large Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing units over the next five years with a combined investment of nearly ₹20,000 crore, in order to reduce heavy dependence on imports and safeguard the country’s electronics supply chain, according to a report by the Electronics Industries Association of India (ELCINA).
The association highlighted that India, despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing electronics markets, still relies on imports for more than 75% of its PCB requirements, making the domestic industry vulnerable to supply shocks, geopolitical disruptions, and currency-linked cost burdens.
Why India Needs Large PCB Plants
The rapid expansion in consumer electronics, smartphones, telecommunications, automotive electronics, and defence systems has intensified PCB demand across the value chain.
Key Drivers Behind the Demand Surge
- 5G deployment & telecom expansion
- EV and battery management systems
- Semiconductor fabrication-linked value chain
- Defence electronics & aerospace localisation
- Smart home devices and consumer tech boom
Experts estimate that PCB consumption in India could nearly double by 2030, crossing the ₹45,000–50,000 crore mark annually.
Sector Investment Snapshot
| Requirement (2025–2030) | Estimated Scale |
|---|---|
| No. of large PCB units needed | 10–12 plants |
| Total investment needed | ₹20,000 crore |
| Current import dependency | ~75% of demand |
| Targeted reduction in imports | 35–40% in 5 years |
| Expected job creation | 55,000–70,000 jobs (direct & indirect) |
Industry Body Raises Red Flag on Supply Chain Risks
ELCINA cautioned that unless India builds local capacity, it may face severe disruptions similar to those experienced during the pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions.
“The global PCB supply chain is getting reorganised due to geopolitics. India must act now. Large-scale manufacturing capacity is essential to safeguard strategic industries and reduce cost pressure across the electronics ecosystem,” the report noted.
Impact on Core Sectors
Electronics Value Chain Impact
| Sector | Strategic Importance of PCB Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Smartphones & IoT | Reduces cost of assembly, improves localisation value |
| Automotive & EVs | PCB needed for motor controllers, battery systems |
| Defence & Aerospace | Critical for navigation, radar, communication systems |
| Telecom & 5G | Essential for network infrastructure & data hardware |
| Healthcare Equipment | Supports indigenous manufacturing of medical devices |
Government Support Expected
Officials familiar with the matter say that the government may consider:
- PLI 2.0 incentives exclusively for PCB manufacturing
- Cluster-based industrial zones near semiconductor parks
- Special duty reductions for capital equipment imports
- Green channel approvals for strategic electronics units
These initiatives are expected to be aligned with India’s semiconductor mission and the electronics export target of $300 billion by 2030.
Expert View
Industry analysts believe the next phase of growth will depend on how fast India converts policy direction into on-ground execution.
“Chip fabs get attention, but without PCB units, the value chain is incomplete. India must move from assembly-led growth to manufacturing-led growth,” said a senior electronics market consultant.
The call for establishing 10–12 PCB mega units signals a decisive shift in India’s electronics manufacturing roadmap. If executed effectively, it could reduce import dependence, create thousands of jobs, secure critical supply chains, and position India as a reliable global electronics hub.
(Economy India)
