India’s technology sector experienced several key developments this week, ranging from global manufacturing shifts and payment infrastructure milestones to renewable energy commitments and cybersecurity concerns. These updates not only reflect the country’s growing role in the global tech space but also underline the challenges that still need to be addressed to build a stronger and safer digital economy.
Apple has announced plans to increase its iPhone production in India, aiming to manufacture 18% of its global output in the country by the end of the financial year 2025. This move is part of the company’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China. The expansion is supported by the Indian government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Suppliers like Jabil have already started ramping up production, including components like AirPods casings. This shift adds to India’s growing profile as a key location for electronics manufacturing and is expected to contribute to job creation and technology transfers.
In digital payments, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded a new peak in January 2025, processing nearly 17 billion transactions worth over Rs 23 lakh crore. The country’s Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes UPI and Aadhaar, continues to play a central role in promoting financial access and innovation in the fintech sector. The system’s performance and reach have caught the attention of other countries, especially after it was highlighted during the G20 summit. UPI’s expansion shows how local technology frameworks can support large-scale financial operations.
Airtel’s data centre business, Nxtra, joined the RE100 initiative by pledging to move entirely to renewable electricity. The move supports India’s broader efforts to promote clean energy and sustainable technologies. As data centres become a crucial part of modern infrastructure, their energy usage has drawn concern. Nxtra’s decision to switch to green energy will support the development of eco-friendly digital services and set an example for other large technology firms.
India celebrated National Technology Day on May 11, marking the anniversary of the 1998 nuclear tests and the first flight of the Hansa-3 aircraft. This year’s theme, “YANTRA – Yugantar,” focused on the role of science and innovation in shaping the country’s future. Government and private institutions showcased achievements in areas like artificial intelligence, 5G, and space technology. The event was a reminder of the importance of continued investment in research and education.
At the regulatory level, the Competition Commission of India introduced new rules aimed at controlling predatory pricing by large e-commerce firms. These rules are intended to support fair competition and prevent large platforms from pushing out smaller sellers through aggressive discounts. The rise of online retail has brought convenience to consumers but has also led to increasing pressure on local businesses, prompting the need for clearer regulatory checks.
Meanwhile, the rise in cyber threats continues to be a pressing issue. In 2023, India experienced over 79 million cyberattacks, with the financial cost of scams reaching Rs 1,777 crore in the first part of 2024 alone. Digital arrest scams and weak protection among smaller firms have been identified as major problems. The government is now working on strengthening cybersecurity measures, pushing for better encryption practices and awareness among users and businesses.
India’s dependence on imported semiconductors also came into focus this week. Imports of chips rose by 18.5% to Rs 1.71 lakh crore in 2023–24. The delay in setting up local chip fabrication units and the absence of locally developed AI chips are seen as challenges that need to be addressed quickly. As digital tools become more essential in every sector, building a reliable domestic supply of semiconductors has become a priority.
Overall, this week’s tech news shows a mix of progress and challenges. India continues to move forward in terms of manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and clean energy, but cybersecurity and hardware self-reliance remain key areas that require immediate attention.
