India becomes world's 2nd largest phone maker on Make-in-India initiative: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government's 'Make in India' initiative has propelled India to become the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones as the number of factories soared to 120 from just 2 four years ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the inauguration ceremony of Samsung mobile factory, in Noida. PTI Photo

NOIDA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government's 'Make in India' initiative has propelled India to become the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones as the number of factories soared to 120 from just 2 four years ago. Inaugurating the world's largest mobile phone factory here, Modi said four lakh direct jobs have been created as the number of factories making mobile phones increased. "India is currently second in terms of phone manufacturing. Out of 120 mobile factories, 50 are in Noida only. Altogether, over 400,000 people are working in those units and Samsung is spearheading this with a workforce of 70,000 people. "The new facility will give direct jobs to 1,000 people, taking the existing workforce at this plant to 6,000. The best part is that the company will export 30 per cent of the handsets made here to other markets," Modi said. "Our push for Make in India is not just part of our economic policy but a commitment for bilateral ties with countries like South Korea," he said. He said the new mobile manufacturing unit will make India-South Korea relations stronger as Samsung's biggest global R&D was already here. "Almost every middle-class Indian family is using at least one Korean product. Samsung has a distinct space in India. India is going through digital transformation and I encourage more companies from South Korea to come and invest here," the Prime Minister noted. Modi was accompanied by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who is on a four-day state visit to India. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma and other dignetaries were also present at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Korean President Moon Jae In said Korean companies are taking part in the fast-paced growth of India and plant like the Samsung factory will create more jobs for Indian people. "2,000 new jobs will be generated in this plant," he said. (With inputs from agencies)