India and Southeast Asia: Strengthening Global Electronics Manufacturing Through Skills, Standards, and Collaboration

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As the global electronics industry convenes at APEX EXPO 2026, the India and Southeast Asia region stands out as one of the most active and strategically important contributors to the global electronics ecosystem. Rapid manufacturing expansion, sustained workforce development, and growing alignment with global standards are reshaping how the region engages with international supply chains. For the Global Electronics Association, APEX EXPO provides an important platform to reflect on recent progress across India and Southeast Asia and to advance collaboration with global industry stakeholders.

India: Membership and Certification Growth

One of the strongest indicators of India’s growing influence within the global electronics ecosystem is the consistent rise in Global Electronics Association membership and certification adoption. Over the past three years, India has recorded steady, year-on-year membership growth, reflecting deeper engagement from OEMs, EMS companies, PCB manufacturers, solution providers, and design organizations.

Membership in India increased from 183 organizations in 2023 to 263 in 2025, reaching 272 members as of January 2026. This sustained upward trend signals a maturing electronics ecosystem that increasingly values standardization, process discipline, and global best practices.

Alongside membership growth, workforce certification has become a defining pillar of India’s electronics manufacturing landscape. India has recorded more than 20,000 certifications issued over time across electronics assembly, PCB design, inspection, reliability, and quality disciplines. This level of certification activity places India among the most active regions globally for standards-based workforce development.

To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.