The growth of the electronics industry in India faces several challenges, the primary issue being the dependency on imports for critical components such as semiconductors, which creates supply chain vulnerabilities, remarks Sanjeev Srivastava, Head- Automation, Delta Electronics India in conversation with Rakesh Rao.

Delta Electronics has achieved robust growth in India over the last 3–4 years, driven by a combination of technological innovation, strategic investments, and a growing demand for sustainable solutions. Our energy-efficient products and solutions have found increasing relevance in industries like telecom, data centres, electric vehicles (EVs), and industrial automation, all of which are undergoing significant transformations. The surge in demand for renewable energy solutions and the government’s focus on green energy initiatives have further contributed to our growth. Moreover, rapid urbanisation, digitalisation, and infrastructure development have created new opportunities for our power management and energy storage solutions.

The electronics manufacturing landscape in India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 5–6 years. With initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India,’ the government has laid a strong foundation for boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities. The introduction of the PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme has been a game-changer, incentivising local production and reducing dependency on imports. Investments in technology, infrastructure, and skill development have further enhanced India's global competitiveness. The growth of manufacturing ecosystems and partnerships between global players and local manufacturers have fostered innovation. This has led to an increasingly sophisticated manufacturing environment that supports high-quality production and exports.

Absolutely, the PLI scheme has been a significant catalyst for the growth of the electronics industry in India. By offering financial incentives linked to production output, the scheme has encouraged both domestic and international manufacturers to set up operations in India. This has not only boosted manufacturing capacity but also created jobs, spurred innovation, and strengthened the local supply chain. Furthermore, the scheme has reduced India's dependency on imports for critical components, making the country more self-reliant in electronics manufacturing. The increased investment and collaboration it has attracted have positioned India as a competitive player in the global market.

Delta Electronics is positioned to capitalise on several growth opportunities in the electronics manufacturing space. We are focused on expanding our portfolio of energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to meet the increasing demand across sectors like EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial automation. We are looking to enhance our manufacturing capabilities in India to support local production and cater to the growing domestic and international markets. By leveraging advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation, we aim to deliver innovative products that align with India’s vision for a self-reliant and sustainable future. Partnerships, R&D investments, and an emphasis on skill development will also play a critical role in our growth strategy.

The growth of the electronics industry in India faces several challenges, despite its tremendous potential. One of the primary issues is the dependency on imports for critical components such as semiconductors, which creates supply chain vulnerabilities. Infrastructure limitations, high logistics costs, and regulatory hurdles add to the complexity of scaling operations. The industry faces a shortage of skilled labour to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing processes. High raw material costs and intense global competition also pose significant challenges. However, consistent policy support, enhanced public-private collaboration, and a focus on innovation and technology can help overcome these barriers and unlock the industry’s full potential.

Smart manufacturing, driven by Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics, is set to revolutionise production processes, making them more efficient and sustainable. The push for green technologies, including the adoption of renewable energy sources and low-carbon manufacturing practices, will become a defining factor in the industry’s evolution. The growing demand for 5G-enabled devices, coupled with advancements in semiconductor technology, will further drive innovation. The integration of digital tools for predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and quality control will redefine operational efficiency and product reliability.

Over the next 2–3 years, Delta Electronics is committed to further strengthening its presence in India through strategic investments and innovative solutions. We plan to expand our manufacturing footprint by establishing new facilities and upgrading existing ones to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable technologies. Our focus will be on key sectors such as EV infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial automation, which are aligned with India’s development goals. We will also prioritise R&D initiatives to develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to local and global markets.