Today’s projects will play a key role in making India a semiconductor hub, PM Modi says
On a landmark day that promises to redefine India's technological and economic landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for three semiconductor projects, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1.25 trillion, via video conferencing on Wednesday (March 13, 2024). 
 
The facilities inaugurated today are - Semiconductor fabrication facility at the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), Gujarat, Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility at Morigaon, Assam and the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility at Sanand, Gujarat.
 
This move, part of the "India's Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat" event, is not just a substantial breakthrough towards India's technological advancement but also a decisive moment in its quest for self-reliance and global prominence in the semiconductor industry.
 
“Today’s projects will play a key role in making India a semiconductor hub”, Prime Minister Modi said.
 
Noting the centrality of electronic chips in the technology-driven 21st century, the Prime Minister said that Made in India and Designed in India chips will play a major role in taking India towards self-reliance and modernization. After missing out on the first three industrial revolutions due to various reasons, India now is moving with an intention to lead Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, he stated.
 
The global semiconductor industry, a foundational entity of modern technology, has witnessed rapid growth and evolution, powering everything from computers and smartphones to cars and critical infrastructure. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the sector's vulnerabilities, with global supply chain disruptions outlining the urgent need for diversified and resilient semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
 
India's entry into this arena is timely. The country's historical missed opportunities during the industrial revolutions make the current foray into semiconductor manufacturing a crucial step in reclaiming its position on the global technological stage. PM Modi's vision aligns with the broader Industry 4.0 revolution, where India aims to leverage its vast talent pool and technological prowess to become a key player in the semiconductor domain.
 
Semiconductor Fabrication Facility at DSIR, Gujarat: A joint venture between Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), this project marks India's first commercial semiconductor fab. With an investment exceeding Rs 91,000 crore, it aims to commence production of 28-nanometer chips by 2026, creating approximately 20,000 skilled jobs. This facility is set to cater to diverse sectors such as high-power computing, electric vehicles, and telecom.
 
OSAT Facility in Morigaon, Assam: This greenfield project by TEPL, with an investment of around Rs 27,000 crore, validates India's efforts to bolster its semiconductor ecosystem. Expected to generate employment for more than 30,000 people, it reflects a transformative shift for Assam and the Northeast region, once known for insurgency but now on the brink of becoming an epicentre of major investment and technological development.
 
OSAT Facility in Sanand, Gujarat: Developed by CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited with an investment of Rs 7,500 crore, this facility further strengthens India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, contributing to the nation's ambition to become a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.
 
These projects are more than just infrastructure developments; they represent a strategic pivot towards making India a cornerstone of the global semiconductor supply chain. By facilitating a conducive ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, India aims to satisfy its own expanding demand to become a reliable partner in the global market, thereby enhancing its geopolitical and economic stature.
 
As India embarks on this ambitious journey, the challenges ahead are manifold, including technological complexities, global competition, and the need for sustained investment. However, the foundation laid by these projects, supported by strategic partnerships and a clear vision, sets the stage for a future where India is not just a consumer but a key player in the global semiconductor industry.
 
In conclusion, the inauguration of these semiconductor projects by Prime Minister Modi marks a historic day for India, predicting a new era of technological independence, economic growth, and global collaboration. As India steps onto the global semiconductor stage, the promise of "India's Techade" brings closer the vision of a self-reliant, technologically advanced nation envisioned to play a decisive role in shaping the future of global technology.