India is often seen as weak in manufacturing, especially when compared to China. But investment banker Sarthak Ahuja believes this view is misleading. In a LinkedIn post, he shared numbers that show India’s real progress in industries like electronics, pharma, defense, and renewable energy.
In electronics, India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker, exporting over $30 billion a year. A decade ago, exports were tiny, but they have grown more than 130 times. Pharma remains a stronghold too, with India exporting medicines worldwide. Ahuja highlighted new breakthroughs like Nafithromycin, a powerful antibiotic, and nearly $400 million invested in making medical devices such as MRI machines and implants.
Defense manufacturing is also gaining pace. Production has tripled in ten years to $15 billion, and 65% of defense gear now comes from Indian factories. Almost all naval warships are built at home. In clean energy, India ranks third in producing solar and wind power equipment. The government’s Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana has already brought rooftop solar to 1.5 million homes.
Beyond these big industries, India exports 400 million toys to 153 countries and builds Vande Bharat trains and metro coaches for overseas markets. Ahuja admits India lags behind China but says the country is building a strong base for the future.
