Make In India At 11: The Numbers Behind A Manufacturing Revolution | Business News

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 13:38 IST

Sustained industrial growth, technological advancement, and economic integration have been the foundation of this initiative, reshaping India’s position in global manufacturing.

The Make in India initiative has achieved remarkable success in attracting foreign direct investment, transforming India into one of the world’s most attractive destinations for manufacturing. (AI generated image)

India’s manufacturing sector has transformed remarkably as Make in India marks its eleventh anniversary. What began as an ambitious vision has evolved into a comprehensive success story. Sustained industrial growth, technological advancement, and economic integration have been the foundation of this initiative, reshaping India’s position in global manufacturing.

Manufacturing’s Steady Growth

The sector’s gross value added surged by 81 per cent from Rs 15.60 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 28.25 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. This remarkable, consistent growth has created a solid foundation for continued expansion. Its contribution to GDP has stabilised around 16 per cent, representing a mature, sustainable base supporting economic growth and consistent, predictable output.

Recent indicators highlight sector momentum: the Index of Industrial Production grew 5.40 per cent year-on-year in July 2025, up from 3.7 per cent in June. The purchasing managers’ index consistently exceeded 58 throughout 2025, reaching a 17-year high of 59.3 in August, signalling exceptional business confidence.

The consistent performance reflects manufacturing’s successful adaptation to changing global conditions whilst maintaining production growth and operational efficiency.

Foreign Investment Success: Attracting Global Capital and Confidence

The Make in India initiative has achieved remarkable success in attracting foreign direct investment, transforming India into one of the world’s most attractive destinations for manufacturing. Manufacturing FDI increased by a remarkable 69 per cent from $97.7 billion during 2004-14 to $165.1 billion during 2014-24, demonstrating unprecedented international confidence in India’s industrial capabilities.

The consistent flow showcases investor confidence and India’s growing integration into global production networks. From $15.8 billion in 2014-15, investment flows peaked at $21.4 billion in 2016-17, with recent years showing renewed strength as FDI reached $19.0 billion in 2024-25, representing an 18 per cent annual increase. It positions India among the world’s top manufacturing investment destinations.

Maharashtra has emerged as a manufacturing investment powerhouse, attracting 31 per cent of total FDI inflows in 2024-25, followed by Karnataka.

The diversification of FDI sources strengthens the sector’s resilience whilst reducing dependency risks. Singapore, Mauritius, and the United States collectively contribute over 60 per cent of manufacturing investment, whilst emerging partnerships with European and East Asian investors expand India’s manufacturing ecosystem. This geographic diversification provides stability and enhances India’s position as a preferred manufacturing partner globally.

Sectoral FDI distribution demonstrates strategic alignment with India’s manufacturing priorities. Computer software and hardware attracted 16% of total equity inflows, whilst electronics, automotive components, and pharmaceuticals received substantial investments.

Employment Revolution: Creating Millions of Manufacturing Opportunities

Make in India has delivered transformational employment generation, creating 13.5 million manufacturing jobs between 2014-15 and 2024-25, a 24.5 per cent increase that substantially exceeds historical job creation rates. Total manufacturing employment has grown from 55 million to 68.5 million workers, representing one of the most significant employment expansions in India’s industrial history.

The employment creation momentum has accelerated significantly in recent years. Manufacturing employment grew by 15 per cent during the last decade compared to just 6 per cent in the previous decade, demonstrating the initiative’s effectiveness in generating sustainable job opportunities. The Annual Survey of Industries reported 1.3 million new manufacturing jobs in FY23 alone, a 7.4 per cent annual increase that brought organised sector employment to 18.5 million workers.

The Production Linked Incentive scheme has emerged as a powerful employment catalyst, generating over 1.2 million direct and indirect employment opportunities across 14 strategic sectors by March 2025. Electronics and mobile manufacturing alone created 420,000 jobs under PLI, whilst textiles contributed 250,000 positions, demonstrating targeted policy effectiveness in driving employment growth.

Regional employment distribution reflects successful manufacturing hub development across India’s industrial landscape. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka collectively account for 55 per cent of total manufacturing employment, creating regional centres of excellence that drive both local economic development and national manufacturing competitiveness.

The quality of employment creation has improved alongside quantity expansion. Manufacturing jobs now offer enhanced skills development opportunities, better working conditions, and increased technological exposure that prepares workers for Industry 4.0 requirements whilst maintaining India’s labour cost advantages in global markets.

Export Achievement: Establishing Global Manufacturing Presence

India’s manufacturing export performance has achieved impressive growth whilst establishing the country as a reliable global supplier across multiple sectors. Manufacturing exports reached $184.13 billion in April-August 2025, maintaining growth momentum despite challenging global trade conditions.

Electronics exports exemplify transformational success, growing eightfold from Rs 38,000 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 3.27 lakh crore in 2024-25. Mobile phone exports have contributed substantially to this achievement, increasing 775 per cent under the PLI scheme from Rs 22,870 crore to Rs 2 lakh crore, positioning India as a significant player in global electronics value chains.

Engineering goods exports have increased by an impressive 60 per cent since 2014, demonstrating sustained competitiveness in traditional manufacturing sectors whilst expanding market reach. This growth reflects the successful modernisation of production capabilities alongside enhanced quality standards that meet demanding international requirements.

Pharmaceutical exports have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, contributing to India’s positive trade balance in healthcare products while establishing the country as an indispensable global supplier. India’s reputation for quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness has created sustainable competitive advantages in global pharmaceutical markets.

The diversification of export markets has reduced dependency risks whilst creating opportunities for sustained growth. Indian manufacturers now serve diverse global markets with increasing sophistication, quality, and reliability that enhance India’s reputation as a preferred manufacturing partner.

The Make in India initiative’s eleventh year represents a celebration of substantial achievements alongside recognition of continued opportunities for growth and excellence. The data demonstrates transformational success across multiple dimensions, including employment generation, export growth, technological advancement, and global integration.

India’s manufacturing transformation demonstrates the power of sustained policy commitment, strategic focus, and collaborative implementation that creates lasting competitive advantages and economic prosperity. The numbers behind this manufacturing revolution tell an inspiring story of achievement, growth, and continued potential for excellence.

Sohil Sinha

Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

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September 26, 2025, 13:34 IST

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