If Oil Ruled Last Century, Microchips Will Rule This One: PM Modi

• Micron’s ATMP facility begins commercial production in Sanand
• PM says India emerging as key player in global semiconductor chain
• Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to deepen ecosystem nationwide
• Cleanroom among world’s largest; focus on AI and data centre demand

GG News Bureau
Sanand, 1st March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Micron Technology’s Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, describing it as a milestone in India’s march towards technology leadership.

Addressing a gathering, the Prime Minister said the launch of commercial production at the facility marks a historic step in positioning India firmly within the global semiconductor value chain.

“The inauguration of Micron’s semiconductor facility marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technology leadership,” he said, adding that India, long recognised for its software strength, is now establishing its identity in the hardware sector as well.

‘Century of AI, Age of Microchips’
Calling the 21st century the era of Artificial Intelligence, Modi said semiconductors are the backbone of the AI revolution.

“If oil was the regulator of the last century, microchips will be the regulator of this century,” he said, asserting that chips connect the industrial revolution to the AI revolution.

He noted that the project moved swiftly from agreement to production, with the MoU signed in 2023 and commercial output commencing in 2026. The speed of execution, he said, reflects a “New India” mindset driven by transparent policies and decisive governance.

Strengthening Global Supply Chains
Modi underlined that India and the United States are working together to secure global semiconductor supply chains. He said India’s Semiconductor Mission, announced during the pandemic, has begun yielding results, with multiple projects across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha and Punjab moving towards production.

“This ecosystem is not limited to one region; it is Pan-India,” he said.

The Sanand facility will manufacture DRAM and NAND memory solutions for global data centres, AI applications and consumer electronics. The plant features one of the world’s largest ATMP cleanrooms and incorporates sustainability measures including reduced water usage.

Investor Message
Highlighting India’s growing domestic electronics demand and export potential, the Prime Minister said the semiconductor ecosystem includes research institutions, skilled technicians, logistics networks and design engineers, making it far more than a single factory.

Concluding his address, Modi sent a strong signal to global investors: “India is ready. India is reliable. India delivers.”

He added that the world now clearly recognises that “India is Capable, India is Competitive, India is Committed.”