New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the platform of SEMICON India 2026 to underscore the country's growing ambitions in semiconductor technology, telling the conference audience that India has already established the critical groundwork necessary to support advanced chip-making capabilities.
Speaking at the technology summit held in the national capital, Modi pointed to a series of policy initiatives and public-private partnerships that have laid the foundation for what he described as a transformative shift in India's technological landscape. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders to discuss how India can position itself as a key node in the increasingly complex global semiconductor supply chain.
The timing of Modi's remarks carries particular weight. The past few years have seen unprecedented disruptions to global chip supply — from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced demand surges to geopolitical tensions affecting traditional manufacturing hubs. These events have exposed the fragility of concentrated semiconductor production and prompted nations worldwide to seek diversification of their supply sources.
India's entry into the semiconductor space follows significant announcements over the past two years, including incentive schemes under the India Semiconductor Mission and landmark agreements with major global players exploring fabrication units on Indian soil. The government has positioned semiconductor manufacturing as central to its broader vision of technological self-reliance and economic resilience.
Modi's address at SEMICON India also touched upon the importance of building domestic talent pipelines capable of sustaining a sophisticated semiconductor ecosystem. The government has been actively working with educational institutions to develop specialized curricula and research programs aimed at producing engineers and technicians skilled in chip design and fabrication.
Industry observers note that while the groundwork is being laid, the road ahead remains challenging. Setting up fabrication plants requires enormous capital investment, highly specialized infrastructure, and a skilled workforce that India is still in the process of developing. However, proponents argue that early momentum, combined with favorable government policy, could accelerate progress significantly.
