India’s Big Leap into Semiconductor Manufacturing, PM Modi’s Vision for a Global Tech Powerhouse

Semiconductors have become a fundamental part of modern life, essential to everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to artificial intelligence. Recognizing the significance of this technology, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a bold vision for the country: he wants to see Indian-made semiconductor chips in every electronic device worldwide. To achieve this, India is making rapid strides towards becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, with a major push from both the central government and individual states like Uttar Pradesh.

On September 11, 2024, PM Modi inaugurated the “Semicon India 2024” conference in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, at the India Expo Mart. This event, which runs until September 13, has brought together global experts and industry leaders in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, and related fields. Alongside Semicon India 2024, the “Electronica India 2024” and “Productronica India 2024” events are also being held, with a focus on various aspects of the electronics supply chain. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in India’s semiconductor ambitions.

The state of Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is positioning itself as a key player in India’s semiconductor strategy. The government is working diligently to transform Greater Noida into a manufacturing hub for semiconductors, aligning with the national agenda set by PM Modi. The Semicon India 2024 event marks an important milestone in this journey, signaling Uttar Pradesh’s growing importance in the global semiconductor landscape.

The vision for semiconductor manufacturing in Uttar Pradesh is part of a larger national strategy. The state’s push comes at a time when India is determined to decrease its reliance on foreign countries for semiconductor supply and to build a self-reliant ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh, with its strategic location, infrastructure, and growing tech industry, is seen as a critical element of this effort. During his address at the Semicon India 2024 event, PM Modi called on both domestic and international investors to support India’s semiconductor manufacturing industry. He emphasized that for India to become a key player in the global supply chain, it must be competitive. “The world is moving towards an increasingly digital future, and semiconductors are the foundation of everything from smartphones to electric vehicles to AI. India has the potential to be at the forefront of this transformation,” said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption to global supply chains, particularly for semiconductors, underscored the need for countries to develop their own manufacturing capabilities. Many nations that relied heavily on China for semiconductors experienced significant delays in production and supply. PM Modi argued that India must act now to ensure that it can weather any future disruptions in the global supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic brought global supply chain issues to the forefront, particularly in the semiconductor industry. As countries around the world went into lockdown, manufacturing and shipping operations were severely impacted. China, one of the largest producers of semiconductors, experienced significant delays in production due to its strict lockdown measures. This, in turn, affected countries that were dependent on Chinese semiconductor imports.

PM Modi pointed to this disruption as a key motivator for India to develop its own semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. “The pandemic showed us the importance of resilient supply chains. Countries that relied heavily on imports from a single source were hit hard. India must ensure that it is self-sufficient in semiconductor production to avoid such disruptions in the future,” he said.

India’s competitive edge lies in its large and growing market, as well as its ability to innovate in technology. PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to create stable policies that encourage investment in the semiconductor sector. He also noted that India is already a major market for electronics, and its growing economy presents a significant opportunity for companies that invest in semiconductor manufacturing.

“We are not just focusing on manufacturing. We are also working to create a strong foundation for innovation and research in semiconductors. India will not only be a manufacturing hub but also a global center for cutting-edge semiconductor research and development,” PM Modi said.