Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw convened a high-level round table discussion with top global semiconductor executives on the second day of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi. This closed-door meeting marks a significant step in India's ambitious semiconductor mission, following recent developments in the sector.

Key Highlights

• The round table discussion took place after the unveiling of India's first domestically manufactured chip.
• PM Modi announced the launch of Phase 2 of the India Semiconductor Mission support programme.
• The government had previously committed ₹76,000.00 crore in Phase 1 to bolster the semiconductor sector.

Global Participation

The meeting saw participation from CEOs and senior executives of major semiconductor companies, including:

• ASML
• Applied Materials
• Merck/EMD
• Infineon
• AMD
• LAM Research
• Tokyo Electron
• Celesta Capital
• CG Power
• L&T Semiconductor Tech
• Tata Electronics

This diverse representation of global semiconductor leaders underscores the international interest in India's growing semiconductor ecosystem.

India's Semiconductor Ambitions

The round table discussion comes at a crucial time for India's semiconductor industry. With the unveiling of the country's first made-in-India chip and the launch of Phase 2 of the support programme, India is positioning itself as an emerging player in the global semiconductor market.

The substantial financial commitment of ₹76,000.00 crore in Phase 1 demonstrates the government's serious intent to develop a robust semiconductor manufacturing capability within the country. This initiative aims to reduce India's dependence on semiconductor imports and establish the nation as a key player in the global supply chain.

Looking Ahead

As India continues to make strides in its semiconductor mission, the engagement with global industry leaders is likely to play a crucial role. The expertise and potential partnerships stemming from such high-level interactions could accelerate India's progress in this critical technology sector.

The outcomes of this round table discussion and the implementation of Phase 2 of the India Semiconductor Mission will be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders alike, as they could significantly impact the future landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in India and globally.

India has marked a significant milestone in its semiconductor journey by launching its first fully indigenous semiconductor chip, the Vikram 32-bit processor. This breakthrough, unveiled at Semicon India 2025, showcases the country's growing capabilities in the high-tech sector and underscores the progress of the India Semiconductor Mission.

Indigenous Innovation Takes Flight

The Vikram 32-bit processor, developed at ISRO's Semi-Conductor Laboratory, is designed for launch vehicle applications. This achievement comes three years after the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission, which was initiated with a substantial funding of ₹76,000 crore.

Semiconductor Program Gains Momentum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the semiconductor program has attracted $18 billion in investments across 10 approved projects since 2021. Highlighting recent progress, Modi revealed that CG Power's pilot plant in Sanand has commenced operations, with Kaynes' facility set to follow suit shortly. Commercial production is anticipated to begin later this year, marking a crucial step in India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

Major Projects Underway

Several significant projects are driving India's semiconductor ambitions:

1. Tata Electronics' Wafer Fab: A ₹91,000 crore facility in Dholera, Gujarat, in collaboration with Taiwan's PSMC. The plant aims to produce 28-nm chips with a capacity of 50,000 wafer starts monthly.

2. Micron's Assembly Facility: Located in Sanand, this facility is expected to begin operations in early 2025, further bolstering India's semiconductor ecosystem.

3. HCL and Foxconn Collaboration: The tech giants are developing a display-driver chip plant in Jewar, with production slated to commence in 2027.

Building a Skilled Workforce

To support this burgeoning industry, the government has set an ambitious target of training 85,000 professionals by 2030. This initiative aims to create a robust talent pool to drive innovation and production in the semiconductor sector.

Global Impact

Industry projections suggest that India could meet 8-10% of global semiconductor demand, potentially worth $40 billion. This positions India as an emerging player in the global semiconductor market, with the potential to significantly impact the industry landscape.

Looking Ahead

As India's semiconductor mission gains momentum, the country is poised to become a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The successful development of the Vikram 32-bit processor and the rapid progress in setting up manufacturing facilities demonstrate India's commitment to technological self-reliance and its potential to contribute significantly to the global semiconductor industry.

The India Semiconductor Mission represents a critical step towards reducing dependency on imports and fostering a robust domestic ecosystem for chip design, manufacturing, and innovation. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they are expected to create numerous opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in the country.