India’s Semiconductor Sector on Brink of ‘Revolution’: PM Modi at SEMICON India 2024

GG News Bureau
Greater Noida, 11th Sept. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida today, marking a significant milestone for India’s semiconductor sector.

The three-day conference, running from September 11 to 13, showcases India’s vision to become a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative potential of India’s semiconductor industry, asserting that it is on the verge of a revolutionary leap.

“India’s semiconductor sector is on the brink of a revolution, with breakthrough advancements set to transform the industry,” he declared. Modi emphasized that India’s current capabilities and future aspirations are rooted in a unique “three-dimensional power” comprising a reformist government, a growing manufacturing base, and an aspirational market aware of technological trends.

PM Modi reflected on India’s emerging role in the global semiconductor landscape, stating, “Today’s India inspires confidence in the world… When the chips are down, you can bet on India.” He drew an analogy between semiconductors and diodes, noting that India’s industry operates with the advantage of energy flowing in both directions—emphasizing both the value created by industries and the supportive policies of the government.

The Prime Minister detailed India’s ambitious goals, including a target to have every device in the world feature an Indian-made chip. He underlined India’s commitment to becoming a semiconductor powerhouse, with a goal for 100% electronic manufacturing to occur within the country. “Our dream is that every device in the world will have an Indian-made chip,” Modi stated, echoing sentiments previously shared from the Red Fort.

Highlighting recent advancements, Modi noted that India has attracted investments exceeding Rs 1.5 trillion for semiconductor manufacturing, driven by government incentives covering up to 50% of financial support for new facilities. He also addressed the importance of securing critical minerals for the industry and introduced plans for a Semiconductor Research Center at the Indian Institute of Space Sciences, in collaboration with IITs.

In addition, PM Modi spoke about India’s role in ‘Silicon Diplomacy’ and its collaborations with countries like Japan, Singapore, and the United States through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework’s Supply Chain Council and the QUAD Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative.

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating India’s commitment to building a resilient and innovative semiconductor sector, one that continues to advance even in times of global crises. “Whether it is mobile manufacturing, electronics, or semiconductors, our focus is clear—we want to build a world that doesn’t stop or pause in times of crisis but keeps moving forward,” he affirmed.

The event was attended by key figures including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and prominent leaders from the semiconductor industry such as Ajit Manocha of SEMI, Dr. Randhir Thakur of Tata Electronics, and Kurt Sievers of NXP Semiconductors.

Background: SEMICON India 2024, held from September 11 to 13, with the theme “Shaping the Semiconductor Future,” aims to position India as a leading player in the global semiconductor industry. The conference features over 250 exhibitors and 150 speakers, bringing together global leaders and experts to discuss India’s semiconductor strategy and policy.