India’s big semiconductor push: PM Modi says 7-8 plants coming up; stresses self-reliance in chips

PM Modi noted that semiconductor chips have become indispensable across sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has started production at three semiconductor manufacturing plants, adding that another seven to eight facilities are expected to become operational in the coming years.Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the Prime Minister said the country’s progress in the semiconductor sector reflects its increasing technological self-reliance.India has launched the second phase of its semiconductor mission with a financial outlay exceeding Rs 1.27 lakh crore, significantly expanding its efforts to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.Also Read | India’s big chip ambition: Can it become the world’s next semiconductor hub?

7-8 semiconductor plants in few years

Looking ahead, PM Modi said an additional seven to eight semiconductor plants are expected to be established over the next seven to eight years, further advancing India’s journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.PM Modi noted that semiconductor chips have become indispensable across sectors ranging from electronics and healthcare to transportation and nearly every aspect of modern technology.Modi said that although semiconductors had been a subject of discussion in India for many years, the country previously lacked large-scale chip manufacturing capabilities.

India’s 12 Approved Semiconductor Projects

Highlighting the strategic significance of semiconductors, the Prime Minister said the government had taken determined steps to build domestic capabilities in the sector.He added that production has already begun at three semiconductor plants and that exports from these facilities are also underway.India’s semiconductor strategy has evolved in two stages. The first phase, Semicon 1.0, was launched with an allocation of Rs 76,000 crore. This has now been followed by Semicon 2.0, which has received Union Cabinet approval with a much larger outlay of Rs 1,27,500 crore.To date, the government has approved 12 semiconductor projects involving investment commitments of more than Rs 1.64 lakh crore, with three manufacturing facilities already in commercial production.Also Read | PM Modi’s 13th consecutive Independence Day Speech – Top Quotes