I recently had the opportunity to speak with Arijeet Talapatra, the dynamic CEO of itel India, a brand that has built an unshakable reputation in India’s budget smartphone and feature phone segments. With a mission to make “technology for all” a reality, itel has become a trusted name in Indian households, connecting more than 110 million (11 crore) consumers through its range of feature phones, smartphones, smart gadgets, and televisions.
Under Talapatra’s leadership, the brand has achieved remarkable success, from maintaining its No. 1 position in India’s feature phone market with over 31% market share, to becoming one of the leading players in the sub-Rs 10,000 smartphone category with 22% market share (as per Counterpoint 2025). itel’s strength lies in combining affordability, reliability, and durability with localized innovation that caters to the real needs of Bharat.
Our discussion spanned several themes, from itel’s guiding philosophy and product durability to its AI initiatives, large-scale manufacturing, and plans to create a connected ecosystem of smart products.
Below is the complete interview, divided into thematic sections for clarity.
7Strengthening localization and manufacturing under Make in India
itel’s strong presence is supported by its robust manufacturing base in India. “We have always been strong believers in the Government’s Make in India initiative,” Arijeet said.
He detailed, “With three manufacturing facilities in Noida spread across 350,000 square feet and boasting an annual capacity of 24 million handsets, we are perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand of Bharat.”
He cited the itel King Signal Feature Phone as an example. “It offers 62% stronger network connectivity and 510% longer call duration in low-network areas and can operate in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 70°C,” he shared.
He believes localization gives itel a strategic advantage. “By responding faster to market demand, customizing products for Indian consumers, and maintaining cost-efficiency, we are able to deliver innovative products at unbeatable prices,” he added.
