A Global Gathering in New Delhi
The fifth edition of SEMICON India, scheduled for September 17-19 in New Delhi, is shaping up to be a significant event on the global technology calendar. Held at the Yashobhoomi convention centre, the conference will operate under the theme 'Silicon
to Systems: Building the Ecosystem'. This theme signals a strategic shift: India is moving beyond merely attracting investment to building a comprehensive, self-reliant value chain that spans chip design, manufacturing, and systems integration. The event is expected to host over 500 exhibitors, including more than 290 international companies, and delegations from over 40 countries, with dedicated pavilions for semiconductor leaders like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the Netherlands. A day before the official inauguration, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a high-level roundtable with the CEOs of global semiconductor firms, a clear indication of the government's intent to personally court top-tier investment and collaboration.
The Prime Minister's Pitch for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
Prime Minister Modi's involvement underscores the national importance of the semiconductor mission. His recent Independence Day address highlighted the indispensability of chips in the modern world and framed the domestic semiconductor program as a cornerstone of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' or a self-reliant India. His speech at the conference is expected to amplify this message, reiterating India’s unwavering commitment to becoming a trusted and integral part of the global semiconductor supply chain. The government sees this not just as an economic opportunity but as a strategic imperative. By fostering a domestic ecosystem, India aims to reduce its reliance on chip imports—which currently account for nearly 90 percent of its needs—and insulate itself from geopolitical supply chain disruptions. The Prime Minister will likely showcase recent successes and lay out a compelling vision for global companies to 'Make in India'.
From Ambition to Action: The Story So Far
This year's conference arrives at a moment of tangible progress. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is no longer just a plan on paper. According to government officials, three projects approved under the first phase of the mission have already started commercial production, with a target of having five to six units operational by the end of 2026. Gujarat has emerged as a major hub, with Sanand hosting crucial facilities for companies like Micron and CG Power. The government has also approved ISM 2.0, a second phase with a significantly larger outlay of over ₹1.27 trillion, designed to expand support to every part of the value chain, including chip design, advanced packaging, equipment, and materials. This sustained policy support and capital infusion are building credibility and demonstrating to the world that India is serious about execution.
Navigating the Global Chip Race
India's semiconductor ambitions are not happening in a vacuum. They are part of a massive global realignment as nations worldwide seek to secure their own chip supplies. Geopolitical tensions have made a flexible and adaptable supply chain the top strategic priority for the industry. Countries are pouring billions into domestic manufacturing to de-risk their economies. India's strategy is twofold: to cater to its own burgeoning domestic demand, which is expected to double to around $200 billion, and to position itself as a reliable global partner. The presence of major global firms at the conference, such as ASML, Applied Materials, Micron, and IBM Research, is a testament to the growing confidence in India's journey. India's recent entry into the 'Pax Silica' coalition with the US further strengthens its strategic alignment with Western efforts to build resilient technology supply chains.
The Long Road Ahead
Despite the momentum, the path to becoming a semiconductor giant is fraught with challenges. Building a complete ecosystem is a capital-intensive, multi-decade endeavour. It requires not just fabs, but also a robust supply of ancillary components, specialty chemicals, and industrial gases. Perhaps the most critical long-term challenge is developing a sufficiently large and skilled workforce. While India has a strong base in chip design, it needs to significantly scale up talent for advanced manufacturing. The conference will feature dedicated sessions on workforce development, a clear acknowledgement of this priority. Ensuring essentials like uninterrupted power and vast quantities of ultra-pure water for fabrication plants also remains a key operational hurdle that requires massive infrastructure development.
