PM Modi inaugurates SEMICON India 2026 to advance India’s semiconductor ecosystem

New Delhi: The growing consumption of electronics in India, coupled with government support through incentives, and a shift in global semiconductor supply chains, are creating a strong opportunity for the country to build a domestic chip ecosystem, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Managing Director and Partner Ankush Wadhera has said.On the AI safety debate he said recent discussions around responsible AI development are important "to keep things in check", but does not see them slowing development or casting a shadow on the semiconductor sector demand."The recent discussions, conversations are good speed-breakers but they are not stop signs, so I don't see this stopping," he told PTI.Wadhera expects the AI boom to continue driving demand for GPUs, compute and memory, and argues that the semiconductor-AI linkage will grow, not weaken.He said a combination of multiple factors are driving investments beyond fabs and assembly units into the wider semiconductor value chain here, and described this "as the best time to be in semiconductor sector in India"."We have one-fifth of the world's population, the world is getting increasingly digitalised, anything that we consume, has chips in it, somebody has to make these chips. So if you're going to consume as much as one-fifth of the world's chips, why should we not make them in India," he said.Wadhera said India has made significant progress in building domestic semiconductor capacity, with many projects announced, and several facilities now into commercial production."In the current global scenario, India is as safe a haven as can be for anyone... So I think the fact that geopolitically we are a great place to be, if you look at the number of FTAs (free trade agreements) that we have around us, all the bilateral relations that we enjoy, and not just in terms of what is documented, but the soft power that we have become, I think that is a very strong tailwind for this supply chain-critical sector," he said.He observed that strong domestic demand, coupled with the government's policy framework, is driving significant action in the semiconductor sector.Wadhera credited ISM 1.0 for creating initial momentum, and noted that ISM 2.0 further expanded incentives, attracting global players as well as Indian companies to the sector.As more fabs and OSATs move towards production, he said, this is expected to spur investment across the wider semiconductor ecosystem, including equipment, materials, gases, water, substrates and services.Wadhera expects AI development to continue, and said rising demand for computing and data processing will drive semiconductor demand, particularly for GPUs and memory, with the AI-semiconductor link set to grow rapidly."It is, of course, important that we keep development in check so that it continues to work in the favour of human development, and not against it. And I think that's what the speed breakers have been about. If you talk about the relation between AI and semiconductors, that's only going to continue to grow and accelerate... the more compute power we need, the more data processing we want to do, the stronger the chips will become, the GPUs," he said.India has stepped up efforts to establish a larger presence in the global semiconductor value chain, with the government seeking to move beyond chip assembly and testing, and build capabilities spanning design, fabrication, equipment and materials. Under the second phase of the semiconductor programme, the government has committed Rs 1.27 lakh crore to expand the domestic ecosystem and attract global investments.As per government estimates nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in investor interest has been seen under the second phase of the semiconductor scheme. This month saw a slew of big-ticket announcements, including Applied Materials' USD 5 billion India plan through 2035, Lam Research's proposed Rs 10,000-crore investment, Tata Electronics' 363-acre vendor park at Dholera and Fujifilm's Rs 800-crore semiconductor materials plant.Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said India wants its semiconductor capabilities to reach into everyday products such as cars, televisions and refrigerators, as well as critical power infrastructure in the coming years.The minister said initial questions surrounding the nation's chip strategy have dissolved into massive global confidence, as evidenced by five semiconductor units in commercial production and several top CEOs finalising Indian partners and sites for expansion.Vaishnaw had exuded confidence that youth-driven startups in India will produce homegrown Qualcomms and Intels, in the coming years.

New Delhi, Sep 23: India’s electronics and semiconductor sector must move to a coordinated whole-of-industry approach to turn growing investments and capacity into a globally competitive ecosystem, according to industry experts cited by an official factsheet on Wednesday.Industry seeks coordinated growthIndustry leaders at SEMICON India 2026 highlighted that individual associations representing different segments of the ecosystem are ultimately working towards a common objective: building a globally competitive electronics and semiconductor sector in India.India’s electronics and semiconductor sector is entering a new phase with major investments flowing in, manufacturing capacities expanding, and global companies increasing their presence, and the ecosystem is growing at an unprecedented pace, the statement noted.Industry leaders stressed that the next stage of growth cannot be driven by any single segment alone. Semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, components, materials, design, packaging and end-use applications are becoming increasingly interdependent, making success not only dependent on technological capabilities but also on collaboration across industry.Technology sectors convergeA recurring theme during the discussion was the increasing convergence across technology sectors. "Chips derive value not in isolation but through their integration into devices, products and systems. Advances in fabrication rely on supporting materials and equipment, while manufacturing depends on packaging, testing and broader electronics capabilities," the statement said, citing industry experts.Such an interconnected nature of the industry calls for stronger linkages and more structured collaboration across the value chain.Industry leaders also explored the idea of creating a more permanent community mechanism that can facilitate continuous dialogue, encourage coordination among associations and help drive collective action on matters of national importance.IMEI Tampering Can Lead To 3 Years Jail, ₹50 Lakh Fine: Govt Advises Sanchar Saathi UseBuilding a stronger ecosystemExisting associations must build on their strengths by providing a common platform where they can collaborate on issues that cut across sectors and value chains, experts said.The discussion reinforced the broader “Silicon to Systems” vision, where design, manufacturing, packaging, electronics and technology solutions work in tandem to create a stronger and more resilient ecosystem.SEMICON India 2026 drew over 600 exhibitors, including nearly 300 international companies, showcasing the growing global interest in India's semiconductor and electronics ecosystem.Also Watch:Investments and policy pushThe event also witnessed 56 MoUs, strategic initiatives and industry announcements across manufacturing, design, packaging, AI, R&D, logistics and skilling.Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the India Semiconductor Mission strengthen domestic capabilities and build a robust manufacturing ecosystem. The government has approved 12 semiconductor projects under the Semicon India programme, with five commercial semiconductor units already operational as of September 2026.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

New Delhi: India’s semiconductor ecosystem is expanding, with at least 200 chip design companies emerging under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, according to Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.The programme is expected to strengthen semiconductor intellectual property and reduce India’s dependence on imported chip technologies.Startups Gain Advanced Design ToolsMore than 105 semiconductor startups have received access to Electronic Design Automation tools. Of these, 20 startups have secured venture capital funding.Budget 2026: Indian Semiconductor Mission 2.0 Announced, Chemical Parks To Be Built For Mining Of 'Rare Earth Magnets' India has trained around 70,000 chip design engineers over four years, moving closer to its target of creating a talent pool of 85,000 engineers.Five Semiconductor Plants Begin ProductionVaishnaw said global competitiveness would depend on delivering high-quality products at competitive costs.Five of the 12 semiconductor plants approved under India Semiconductor Mission 1.0 have started commercial production. The development signals progress from project approvals towards domestic manufacturing and commercial output.The minister also highlighted India’s growing reputation as a trusted semiconductor partner and its record of protecting intellectual property.Global Interest Rises At SEMICON IndiaSEMICON India 2026 attracted participation from major semiconductor economies and generated several business-to-business discussions.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said resilient semiconductor supply chains require trusted international partnerships. He identified reliability, credibility, incentives and value creation as important pillars of cooperation.India Deepens International PartnershipsThe India–Singapore roundtable, attended by 142 participants, examined collaboration in manufacturing, advanced packaging and supply-chain management. India offered engineering skills and market scale, while Singapore brought established manufacturing expertise.'India's Chips Will Go Out To The World': PM Modi At SEMICON India 2026 The India–Europe session drew 139 participants and focused on investment, equipment, materials, localisation, research, chip design, manufacturing and talent development.The India–South Korea roundtable attracted 115 participants. Discussions covered manufacturing, technology, materials, packaging, investment and supply chains.Officials said these engagements show rising global interest in India’s semiconductor industry and its ambition to combine domestic capabilities with international expertise.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India's economic growth and rising global confidence in the country were reflected in developments across sectors, including semiconductor, fintech and logistics. India's semiconductor ecosystem is expanding rapidly. It is opening new opportunities for innovation, investment and growth. Addressing SEMICON India 2026 in Delhi. https://t.co/a7A2Rs89DI— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2026 After inaugurating SEMICON India 2026 here, PM Modi said India recorded 7.8 per cent economic growth in the latest quarter despite a challenging global environment.He cited developments over the past 15 days, including the Global FinTech Fest in Mumbai, where discussions focused on inclusive finance through agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum technology, and the operationalisation of around 3,000 km of dedicated freight corridors.Delhi: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi pic.twitter.com/rGDGJbK6mA— IANS (@ians_india) September 17, 2026 On semiconductors, PM Modi said India's chip industry was gaining momentum and that 'India's chips will go out to the world'.The freight corridors would accelerate movement across the country, improve logistics and provide fresh impetus to manufacturing, PM Modi added.In addition, he cited a sovereign rating upgrade for India by a credit rating agency and said the development reflected growing global confidence in the Indian economyReferring to the recent BRICS Summit hosted by India, PM Modi said the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by consensus was another indication of international confidence in India.'India Has Launched Second Phase Of Semiconductor Journey': PM Modi At Semicon 2026 Meanwhile, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Semicon 2.0 would build India's semiconductor ecosystem around six pillars -- chip design, machines and materials, fabs, advanced packaging, research and development and talent.The minister further noted that more than 105 startups had participated in the first phase of the semiconductor programme with about 20 securing venture capital funding of around Rs 800 crore. Under Semicon 2.0, the government aims to support at least 200 chip-design startups and companies.He said India had trained 70,000 design engineers in four years against an initial 10-year target of 85,000. More than 400 universities across the country now have access to electronic design automation tools, he said.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has entered the second phase of its semiconductor journey, asserting that the country has achieved in four years what typically takes the world a decade to accomplish. He was speaking while inaugurating Semicon India 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.From building capability to commercial production"India has launched the second phase of its semiconductor mission. While the first phase was valued at approximately $8 billion, we have set a target of $13.5 billion for the second phase. Moving forward on the 'Reform Express', we have introduced further reforms in this sector. Now, international companies can collaborate with our startups, Indian design firms, and OCI-owned entities. Whether it concerns policy, funding, or the regulatory framework, the Government of India is taking every necessary step to ensure the success of your projects," Modi said at the event. Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Govt To Showcase Semiconductor Ecosystem At SEMICON India 2026 In New DelhiModi said India was now moving beyond simply building semiconductor capabilities toward actual commercial chip production. He described the country's semiconductor journey as a continuous process, calling chip manufacturing a 'never-ending journey' that would keep evolving rather than reaching a fixed endpoint.Growing global trust in India's chip ecosystemThe Prime Minister said India's expanding capabilities across chip design, manufacturing, and related technologies were steadily increasing global trust in the country as a semiconductor partner. He pointed to the presence of major international companies at the Semicon India event as evidence of this growing confidence in India's semiconductor ecosystem, which has drawn global chipmakers, equipment suppliers, and materials companies to the three-day conference.SEMICON India 2026: PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 3-Day Semiconductor Event Today In Delhi, 600+ Exhibitors To Showcase India’s Chip EcosystemA Push to Build Homegrown Chip TalentModi also emphasised India's focus on nurturing young talent for the semiconductor sector, noting that students across the country were being trained in chip design and were getting hands-on opportunities to design chips themselves. He framed this talent pipeline as central to India's long-term semiconductor ambitions, positioning the country's youth as a key driver of its push into the global chip industry.This year's edition of Semicon India, running from September 17 to 19 under the theme "Transform Tomorrow: Silicon to Systems – Building the Ecosystem," is being held jointly by the India Semiconductor Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and industry association SEMI. The event has brought together more than 500 exhibitors, including over 240 international companies, alongside more than 150 speakers and delegates from over 40 countries.The scale of this year's gathering reflects how far India's chip ambitions have progressed since the Semicon India programme was first launched in 2021. According to MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, three of the twelve semiconductor projects approved under the initial phase of the programme, referred to as Semicon 1.0, have already begun commercial production, with the government now preparing to roll out its next phase, Semicon 2.0, built around six major pillars aimed at deepening India's presence across the full semiconductor value chain.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the SEMICON India 2026 exhibition and interacted with participants before inaugurating the event at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi.#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to inaugurate SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in DelhiThe three-day conference and exhibition, being held from 17 to 19 September 2026, is organised on the theme ‘Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem’. It… pic.twitter.com/csJpOjcF3m— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2026 The event, being held from September 17 to 19, will focus on industry engagement, policy direction and international partnerships. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the conference is being organised jointly by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY and global industry body SEMI under the theme "Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem."PM Modi Turns 76: How India's Digital, Economic And Tech Landscape Changed Under His Leadership According to MeitY, the convention will gather over 600 exhibitors, including 300 international firms, across 15,000 square metres, alongside more than 150 speakers. The exhibition floor will feature six country pavilions and 12 state government pavilions, alongside dedicated segments for startups, student hackathons, and workforce development.The event will also present an official review of manufacturing milestones. Under the Semicon India Programme, the Union government approved 12 semiconductor projects, with three approved units under Semicon 1.0 having commenced commercial production. The Union Cabinet has additionally approved the next phase, Semicon 2.0, structured around six core pillars.'A Very Difficult Decision': Adidas Lays Off Nearly Half Of Its Gurgaon Tech Hub Workforce Electronic design automation tools have been extended to more than 400 academic institutions and 105 startups, while 24 startups have secured approvals under the Design Linked Incentive scheme."SEMICON India 2026 will adopt a comprehensive value-chain approach, showcasing the journey from semiconductor materials and manufacturing to advanced packaging, design, electronics and systems," the Ministry stated."The new 'Sand to Silicon to Systems' Value Chain Experience will provide visitors with an integrated view of the semiconductor ecosystem and demonstrate India's expanding capabilities across different stages of the value chain," the Ministry added.Watch the full video here:Live: PM Sh. @narendramodi Ji visits the SEMICON India 2026 exhibition https://t.co/u7d1VxLf8x— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) September 17, 2026 "The Startup Pavilion will showcase around 40 startups, while the Workforce Development Pavilion will provide a dedicated platform for talent, skills and career opportunities in the microelectronics sector."The event will provide an important opportunity for Indian and international companies to explore partnerships, investment opportunities, technology collaborations and supply-chain linkages, further strengthening India's position as a trusted global semiconductor partner.Key global and domestic enterprises participating in the exhibition and strategic roundtables include ASML, Applied Materials, Teradyne, Infineon, Ebara, Jabil, IBM Research, NXP, Tata Electronics, Micron, Merck KGaA, Rapidus, Lam Research, CG Power, Uno Minda, Advantest, Tokyo Electron and several other major industry players.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)