Indian IT Minister claims we'll see the first Indian smartphone brands in the near future

"Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026, India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is now claiming that the country will soon have its own smartphone brand (or brands, plural), and promises the Indian government has done all the "homework" required for such an endeavor. This brand (or these brands, it's unclear if we're talking about one or more) will be launched within the next 12 to 18 months and will be "global"."

"Now we have a very substantial electronics ecosystem in our country, this is the time when we will be going for getting our own Indian brands in mobile phones. We have done all the homework that is required to be done. Today and yesterday, we had significant meetings with the entire ecosystem, which produces the thousands of things that are required to go into a mobile phone. And it's very happy, very satisfying progress."

"He also met with Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, as well as OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane, because of course he did - AI is all the rage these days. For what it's worth, Hassabis has expressed optimism regarding a possible future collaboration with India."

India intends to introduce domestic smartphone brand(s) within the next 12 to 18 months. The government reports that preparatory work and necessary "homework" has been completed. A substantial domestic electronics ecosystem now produces the thousands of components required for mobile phones. Recent meetings involved ecosystem participants to coordinate production, supply chains, and component sourcing. The planned brand(s) are intended for global markets. The ownership and operational model remains unclear, including whether brands will be state-run or privately backed. Engagements with global AI leaders indicate potential technological collaboration alongside the smartphone initiative.

Read at GSMArena.com