Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, marking the fifth edition of the event. Addressing participants, he highlighted the expansion of India’s semiconductor ecosystem and the opportunities it is opening across innovation, investment and growth. He also welcomed international participants who had travelled to India for the summit.
Modi linked the inauguration with Vishwakarma Diwas, highlighting the connection between India’s long-standing heritage of construction and creation and 21st-century technology and vision. He said this connection is an inspiration for a “self-reliant India” and a Viksit Bharat.
India’s economic growth and global trust
Modi highlighted several developments from the previous 15 days to outline India’s economic progress. These included:
- Discussions on inclusive finance at the Global Fintech Fest
- Operationalization of a 3,000-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor
- 7.8% quarterly GDP growth
- A recent sovereign rating upgrade by a Japanese credit rating agency
“On one hand, India’s economy is growing, and on the other hand, the world’s trust in India is also increasing,” Modi said.
He also referred to the recently concluded BRICS Summit hosted by India and the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, calling it another indication of the “world’s trust in India.”
Semiconductor ecosystem reaches commercial production
Modi then traced India’s semiconductor journey since the programme’s inception in 2022, from policy discussions and project planning to pilot lines and commercial production. He said chips manufactured in India’s plants have started reaching customers in the country and the world, while commercial production has begun at two new plants in Mohali and Surat.
He also highlighted the capabilities developed as part of the semiconductor ecosystem:
- Chip design
- Equipment manufacturing
- Testing
Modi credited government-industry collaboration for developing these capabilities in a short period. “You are the pillars of this success of India, you are partners,” he told industry leaders.
$13.5 billion second phase of Semiconductor Mission
Modi announced the $13.5 billion second phase of the Semiconductor Mission and explained the concept of “tape out” in semiconductor development. He said the government continues to push towards the next technological version rather than stopping after one stage.
He also highlighted regulatory reforms that facilitate collaboration among international companies, startups and design firms. “The Government of India is taking every step needed for the success of your projects,” Modi said.
Domestic supply chain and semiconductor R&D
Modi called for further development of the domestic semiconductor supply chain, including fabless companies, intellectual property and silicon photonics for AI-enabling infrastructure. He also urged companies involved in the following areas to use the opportunities created by the 12 approved projects and the expanding demand pipeline:
- Equipment
- Chemicals
- Gases
- Materials
“We want the entire ecosystem to grow together,” Modi said.
He also urged young researchers in India to contribute to advanced technology development and called on young people researching abroad to join the development of advanced technologies in the country.
Modi asked industry leaders to spearhead R&D in India, linking this with opportunities for the country’s youth. “There is benefit for the industry in this, and the youth power of India will also get strength from this,” he said.
Engineering talent and semiconductor skilling
Modi highlighted India’s demographic dividend and the engineering talent available for the semiconductor industry. He said the government is training engineers specifically in chip designing.
The government has set a target of training 1 lakh engineering students, with 70,000 already trained. Modi also mentioned receiving custom-designed chips from students and described the country’s talent pool as a “gold mine” for the semiconductor industry.
AI changes semiconductor requirements
Modi said the growing demand for artificial intelligence is changing the requirements for advanced semiconductor systems. He noted that the focus is moving beyond transistor size towards broader system integration, including:
- Memory placement
- Heat management
He said India is preparing to address these changing requirements and the challenges facing global semiconductor manufacturing. “India is constantly preparing itself for this,” Modi said.
Power infrastructure for AI and semiconductor manufacturing
Modi highlighted the power requirements of AI data centres and semiconductor manufacturing plants, including the need for uninterrupted electricity for manufacturing facilities.
He pointed to developments in India’s power sector, including:
- Solar capacity of more than 160 GW
- Opening of nuclear energy to private players
- Development of small modular reactors
“Therefore, India today is making huge investments in the power sector as well,” Modi said. He connected these developments with the energy security needed for the semiconductor ecosystem and industrial growth.
India prepares for global semiconductor manufacturing demand
Modi said the world is looking for new and trusted manufacturing destinations and that India is preparing to meet this requirement. He highlighted the country’s efforts to create the conditions needed for the semiconductor industry and said India is taking steps to become a preferred destination for semiconductor manufacturing.
Concluding his address, Modi said:
India is taking every step that makes us a preferred destination for the semiconductor industry. India’s aspirations are before you, and the new opportunities being created in India are ready to welcome you.