Why India needs a strong right-to-repair ecosystem now more than ever

In today’s digital economy, consumer electronics are no longer optional - they are foundational. The smartphone, in particular, has become the primary interface through which Indians work, transact, communicate, and access services. This growing dependence is reflected in scale: India shipped approximately 151 million smartphones in 2024, and demand is expected to remain strong over the coming decade.

Yet, as device ownership rises, a quieter but critical question emerges: what happens when these devices fail?

For most Indian consumers, the answer is simple - a visit to the neighbourhood repair shop. And that is not a weakness; it is a defining strength of India’s consumption model. The country has long embraced a repair-first mindset, supported by a vast informal network of technicians who offer quick and affordable solutions. When an authorised service centre quotes ₹8,000 for a repair and a local technician offers to do it for ₹2,500, the economic decision is straightforward.

Cost drives behaviour. Any Right-to-Repair framework in India must begin with that reality.

However, the nature of devices has evolved. Modern electronics are more complex, tightly integrated, and increasingly software-controlled. As a result, the risks associated with unregulated repairs have grown - from potential data security vulnerabilities to compromised safety and reduced device longevity. What appears cheaper upfront can often result in higher costs over time.

The solution, therefore, is not to replace India’s informal repair ecosystem - but to upgrade it.

If genuine parts, diagnostic tools, and repair documentation are made widely accessible and competitively priced, both consumers and technicians will naturally shift toward higher-quality repairs. The goal is not disruption - it is formalisation and enablement at scale.

There is also a cultural dimension unique to India. Unlike Western markets, where do-it-yourself (DIY) repair is relatively common, Indian consumers overwhelmingly prefer assisted service. Even in categories designed for self-assembly, such as modular furniture, professional installation tends to dominate.

This has important implications. A successful Right-to-Repair ecosystem in India cannot rely on consumers repairing devices themselves. Instead, it must enable assisted repair through a distributed network of trained technicians, supported by OEM-grade parts, tools, and processes.

A practical way forward is the adoption of modular repair design - where components such as batteries or displays can be replaced as units rather than repaired at a micro level. This approach simplifies repair, reduces skill barriers, and improves consistency in outcomes. It also aligns well with India’s service-led consumption behaviour.

The urgency of getting this right is underscored by India’s growing e-waste challenge. The country is now the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, producing roughly 1.7–1.8 million metric tonnes annually. A significant majority of this waste continues to be processed by the informal sector, often through unsafe and environmentally harmful methods.

Every device that is discarded instead of repaired adds to this burden. Right-to-Repair, therefore, is not just a consumer rights issue - it is an environmental necessity.

Globally, policy momentum is building in this direction. The European Union’s Right-to-Repair directive, adopted in 2024, mandates greater repairability, including improved access to spare parts, repair information, and design considerations that enhance serviceability. While the specifics vary across product categories, the broader shift is clear: repairability is becoming a regulatory expectation, not a choice.

India has also begun taking meaningful steps. The launch of the Right to Repair portal and ongoing work on a Repairability Index signal policy intent. Initiatives such as ERSO (Electronics Repair Services Organisation) reflect a broader ambition - to position India as a global hub for repair services, unlocking economic value and employment opportunities.

However, policy alone will not be enough.

What India needs is an ecosystem approach - one that aligns manufacturers, service platforms, technicians, and consumers. Formalising the repair workforce, ensuring access to genuine parts, and building trust in repair outcomes will be critical to success.

Over the past decade, organizations across industries have invested in building integrated ecosystems that connect manufacturers, service networks, and consumers on unified platforms. This experience points to a clear insight: The after-sales experience is ultimately where brand trust is won or lost.

We are now actively supporting Right-to-Repair initiatives in collaboration with leading OEM partners - enabling access to genuine parts, tools, and guided repair processes. The objective is clear: make high-quality repair more accessible, transparent, and economically viable.

At its core, Right-to-Repair is a question of ownership. If a consumer cannot reasonably repair a product, can they truly be said to own it?

For a country like India - where millions have entered the digital economy for the first time only recently - the answer carries significant implications. Building a repair ecosystem that reflects our economic realities, cultural preferences, and environmental priorities is not just good policy.

It is a strategic imperative - one that can reduce e-waste, create skilled employment, strengthen consumer trust, and unlock long-term value for the entire electronics ecosystem. India does not need to replicate global models; it has the opportunity to define its own - one that is inclusive, scalable, and built for the way India actually consumes and repairs technology.

By: Sreevathsa Prabhakar, founder and chief executive officer, Servify