What's Happening?
The Indian government, led by Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced plans to achieve self-reliance in chipset manufacturing within two years. This initiative
is part of a broader effort to secure India's electronics supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign technology. The government is focusing on developing indigenous chipsets for various applications, including CCTV cameras and mobile phones. A key component of this plan is the integration of the NavIC chipset, an indigenous navigation satellite system, into mobile phones as an alternative to GPS. The government has also allocated funds for the development of an indigenous server-grade microprocessor.
Why It's Important?
This move towards self-reliance in chipset manufacturing is crucial for India's technological and economic independence. By developing domestic capabilities, India aims to strengthen its electronics manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on imports. This initiative is expected to boost the country's semiconductor design ecosystem, fostering innovation and creating intellectual property within India. The focus on indigenous technology aligns with the government's broader 'Make in India' campaign, which seeks to promote domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment. Achieving self-reliance in chipsets could enhance national security by ensuring control over critical technology components.
What's Next?
The Indian government plans to continue its efforts to develop a complete mobile phone chipset, covering all components from printed circuit boards to processors. The integration of the NavIC system into mobile phones is expected to be completed within two years. Additionally, the government will support domestic companies in developing integrated circuits and intellectual property cores through the Design-Linked Incentive Scheme. As these initiatives progress, India could emerge as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, potentially attracting further investment and collaboration with international technology firms.
