India's position as the world's fastest growing market for smartphones could take a major hit if the administration continues to keep both the phones and spare parts off the list of essential supplies during the lockdown period. An association representing electronics and mobile phone industry says as many as 40 million subscribers could be left without a functioning device. Ironically, this sobering bit of market analysis comes alongside a report suggesting a 4% year-on-year growth in the Indian smartphone market during the first quarter of 2020. Market research firm Counterpoint says more than 31 million units were sold between January and February though post-Covid-19 outbreak sales fell 19%. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents manufacturers, brand owners, technology providers, VAS application and solution providers, distributors and retailers of mobile handsets and other electronic devices, believes that if by end-May, the restricti...
