India’s manufacturing sector is not weak—it’s quietly powering a transformation across strategic industries, from mobile phones and defense equipment to pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. That’s the message investment banker Sarthak Ahuja delivered in a viral LinkedIn post that’s now sparking national debate and reshaping perceptions of India’s industrial capabilities.
“A lot of people think India is very poor at manufacturing, but it’s about time we hear some facts that never come to light,” Ahuja wrote, countering long-held comparisons with China and highlighting India’s decade-long progress in building self-reliant, export-ready manufacturing ecosystems.
His post, backed by hard numbers and sectoral insights, comes at a time when India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has surged 5.4% year-on-year in July 2025, with manufacturing leading the charge. From mobile exports crossing $30 billion to defense production tripling to $15 billion, Ahuja’s data-driven rebuttal is being hailed as a reality check for skeptics.
India’s Manufacturing Gains – Sector-Wise Performance Snapshot
| Sector | Key Milestone Achieved (2025) | Growth Indicator (YoY) | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | $30+ billion exports | 132x growth in 10 years | Second-largest global producer |
| Defense Equipment | $15 billion domestic production | 3x growth in 10 years | 65% indigenization rate |
| Pharmaceuticals | $25 billion exports | 12% growth | Global supplier of generics |
| Medical Devices | $400 million investment | 18% growth | MRI, implants, diagnostics |
| Renewable Energy | 1.5 million homes lit via rooftop solar | 22% growth in solar gear | Third-largest solar/wind producer |
Ahuja’s post also highlighted India’s success in building naval warships indigenously, exporting metro coaches to Australia and Canada, and shipping over 400 million toys to 153 countries. These examples, he argued, show that India’s manufacturing is broader and more resilient than often portrayed.
India’s Industrial Momentum – Latest Indicators (July–August 2025)
| Indicator | Value / Status | Trend Direction |
|---|---|---|
| IIP Growth (July 2025) | 3.5% YoY | Up from 1.5% in June |
| Manufacturing PMI (August) | 59.3 | Highest in 17 years |
| Merchandise Exports (Apr–Aug) | $184.13 billion | 2.52% YoY growth |
| Unemployment Rate (Male) | 5.0% | 5-month low |
| Basic Metals Output | 12.7% YoY growth | Strong demand |
| Electrical Equipment Output | 15.9% YoY growth | Capacity expansion |
India’s manufacturing growth is being driven by flagship policy initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM MITRA for textiles, and the National Manufacturing Mission. These programs are helping build clusters, attract FDI, and scale domestic capabilities across electronics, automotive, textiles, and defense.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on India’s Manufacturing Debate
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 82% supportive | #IndiaManufacturing #NotWeak |
| 1.4M interactions | 78% inspired | #MakeInIndia #ManufacturingMomentum | |
| 1.2M views | 85% curious | #IndustrialIndia #GrowthStory | |
| YouTube | 1.1M views | 80% analytical | #ManufacturingExplained #IndiaVsChina |
Ahuja also addressed the China comparison head-on. “China was liberalised 13 years before us. Even if we are slower, we will try and buck up over the next two decades. Sometimes, we need to look at the positives and give ourselves due credit,” he wrote.
His post drew praise from economists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs who echoed the need to shift narratives from deficit to potential. “India’s manufacturing is at a turning point. The next decade will be about scale, quality, and global integration,” said Dr. Radhika Menon, industrial strategist at NITI Aayog.
India’s Manufacturing Export Engine – Sectoral Breakdown (FY25)
| Export Category | Value (₹ crore) | Key Markets | Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | ₹2,50,000 | US, UAE, Europe | PLI, scale, labor cost edge |
| Pharma & Generics | ₹1,90,000 | Africa, LATAM, EU | R&D, compliance, pricing |
| Defense Equipment | ₹45,000 | ASEAN, Africa | Strategic partnerships |
| Solar & Wind Equipment | ₹38,000 | Middle East, Africa | Green energy push |
| Toys & Lifestyle Goods | ₹12,000 | US, UK, Australia | MSME clusters, branding |
India’s manufacturing story is also being shaped by digital transformation. Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, robotics, and big data are being adopted across sectors to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
The government’s push for green manufacturing and skill development is further strengthening the ecosystem. Programs like PMKVY are upskilling workers, while sustainability mandates are encouraging energy-efficient production.
As India targets a $7 trillion economy by 2030, manufacturing is expected to contribute over 21% to GDP, up from the current 17%. The sector is not just meeting domestic demand—it’s becoming a pillar of India’s global economic ambition.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available financial data, verified media reports, and expert commentary. It does not constitute investment advice or policy endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
