As we are heading towards the 14th edition of Source India – Electronics Supply Chains an essential event for stakeholders across the electronics industry, including SMEs and leading enterprises. The platform focuses on fostering collaboration to strengthen the electronics value chain, covering sectors such as consumer electronics, telecom, automotive, and cutting-edge technologies like IoT, 5G, and AI. The primary objective is to promote innovation, research and development (R&D), and investment in the Electronic Systems Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
Meenakshi S R from the editorial team of SCM Spectrum had the privilege to interview Dr.
Sasikumar Gendham, President of ELCINA, who brings over 20+ years of expertise in the
electronics supply chain, to talk about the upcoming Source India 2025 event’s vision, key
objectives, and its role in shaping the future of India’s electronics supply chain.
What is the primary objectives behind organizing Source India Electronics 2025?
The core objective of Source India Electronics Supply Chain which is witnessing its 14th edition in February 2025, is to unite electronics industry stakeholders on a single platform, fostering a deeper understanding between buyers and suppliers across the Electronics Value Chain. The event aims to actively encourage the participation of SMEs along with large players from the electronics value chain to meet the demands of major buyers from diverse sectors.
Source India event caters to all segments of electronics industry, including among others, Consumer Electronics & Appliances, Telecom and IT Equipment, Mobiles and Accessories, Automotive Electronics, Lighting, Security, Electric Vehicles, and other emerging sectors such as IoT, Industry 4.0, 5G, Robotics, AI etc.
Why is this event exclusively held in Chennai? Are there any plans to expand this event to other states in India?
Source India was launched by ELCINA in 2009 when mobile and Telecom assembly was growing rapidly in Tamilnadu with Nokia establishing a major facility near Chennai. Nokia was keen to expand its supply chain in India and was a major catalyst for the event. Thus, Chennai became the choice by default for Source India which has since the last 15 years, thrived in the State of Tamil Nadu. The State Government has strongly supported Source India and we are greatly enthused to see Tamil nadu emerging as a major hub of electronics manufacturing.
Supportive policies of Tamil Nadu have attracted a large number of electronics manufacturing companies. Today the State is recognized as a hub for the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry in India.
How does the event plan to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and commercialization?
Source India is a platform for innovators, researchers, and startups to display their latest technologies, prototypes, and products to a wide audience of industry stakeholders, investors, and policymakers. There is a special ELCINA Tech Zone where deep tech start ups are invited to participate and present their technology to potential customers, partners and investors.
The event hosts conferences, workshops, and panel discussions to share insights into emerging trends, R&D breakthroughs, and best practices in transitioning from concept to market.
With backing from government initiatives and industry bodies, the event highlights funding schemes, grants, and policies designed to support innovation and its commercialization
What are some of the major challenges in the electronics supply chain that the event aims to tackle?
One of our biggest challenges is dependence on Imports. India’s reliance on imported components and raw materials remains a significant hurdle. The event aims to promote domestic manufacturing and local sourcing to reduce this dependency.
With respect to our demand and potential, the domestic industry is still small and not capable of meeting demand. Especially for raw materials and components. This demand supply gap is a huge challenge. Global supply disruptions often lead to shortages of critical components and during Covid. The domestic industry faced severe shortages and stock-outs resulting in losses and decline in output. Source India facilitates connections between suppliers and manufacturers to ensure a stable supply.
Policy and Regulatory Barriers as well as complex regulations hinder growth. The event engages policymakers and industry leaders to discuss reforms that support supply chain efficiency
Government policies and initiatives impacting the electronics supply chain industry? And what is your take on it?
The development of the electronics manufacturing industry in India was constrained initially due to the Information Technology Agreement-1 (ITA-1) of WTO. This was implemented in 2005 and India is a signatory to the same. This agreement mandated allowing import of 217 Tariff Lines of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Products and all their inputs at zero Customs Duty.
This covered the majority share of the electronics value chain, especially the components. Thus making it unviable for these components to be manufactured in India. Very large number of manufacturers had to shut shop, output declined, escalating import dependence and choking fresh investments.
Since last 10-15 years efforts have been made with the launch of National Policy on Electronics in 2012 (NPE 2012). And a revised NPE 2019 to investments in value added electronics manufacturing, especially in assembly of mobiles and electronic equipment. There is now a fresh policy on the anvil to support manufacturing of electronic components to enhance value addition which has remained very low till date hovering around 10-15%. The government’s target is to increase this to 35-40% by 2030.
What are the key takeaways that participants can expect from attending the Source India Electronics event?
Source India provides a wide range of opportunities for all stakeholders from the ESDM industry. Enabling them to enhance their understanding, knowledge and network in the industry. There are opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike, for manufacturers, researchers, start-ups and even f or students to learn about this growing sector.
In brief, there are networking opportunities with access to key stakeholders. Across the electronics value chain, including buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, and policymakers. There are business expansion opportunities for SMEs to showcase their capabilities to big buyers and secure long-term partnerships. There is opportunity for companies to gain recognition as key players in the ESDM sector and gain visibility.
There is participation of policy makers and senior government ministers and officials. Wherein participants get insights into central and state government policies, schemes, and incentives. That support the growth of the electronics manufacturing sector.
In summary, Source India envisions to strengthen the domestic value chain, grow the supply chain through enhanced investments in electronics. The objective is to make our ESDM sector strong and resilient. Opening new opportunities and reducing dependence on imports and strategic vulnerability for the country.
