PM Modi meets chip giants, highlights India's potential as semiconductor hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top executives from global semiconductor giants at SEMICON India 2025, noting their confidence in India's potential as a hub for chip innovation and manufacturing. The meeting saw prominent figures from the semiconductor world, including CEOs from ASML, AMD, Seoul Semiconductors, and Applied Materials. Major deals were also inked during the event, including Tata Electronics' MoUs with Merck Electronics and C-DAC, and L&T Semicon's partnerships with IIT Gandhinagar, C-DAC, and IISc Bangalore.

Title: India Semicon 2025: Modi Meets Semiconductor Giants, Bolsters Manufacturing Hub Ambitions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently convened with top executives from global semiconductor giants at SEMICON India 2025, underscoring India's potential as a hub for chip innovation and manufacturing. The event saw prominent figures from the semiconductor world, including CEOs from ASML, AMD, Seoul Semiconductors, and Applied Materials, sharing insights on the Indian semiconductor ecosystem.

During the meeting, Modi sought feedback on the contours and design of the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), a ₹76,000-crore initiative that aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India. The ISM has already seen approvals for one chip fabrication unit, one compound chip fabrication unit, and eight outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) units, with a total committed investment of $18 billion [1].

Significant deals were also inked during the event. Tata Electronics, a major player in India’s electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Merck, a science and technology company, to jointly develop capabilities in semiconductor materials, fabrication infrastructure, and specialty chemical and gas distribution in India [2]. The partnership aims to leverage Merck's expertise in high-purity electronic materials and advanced gas and chemical delivery systems to support Tata Electronics' upcoming Fab in Dholera, Gujarat.

Another key partnership was announced between L&T Semicon and IIT Gandhinagar, C-DAC, and IISc Bangalore. These collaborations aim to foster innovation and enhance the overall semiconductor ecosystem in India, focusing on process and design technology, materials, equipment, and other critical aspects.

These developments reflect India's growing ambition to establish itself as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The country's stable and predictable policy regime, coupled with advancements in design, packaging, startups, and semiconductor skills, presents a compelling case for foreign investment and collaboration in the sector.

As India continues to make strides in the semiconductor industry, these partnerships and initiatives are poised to drive innovation and growth, positioning the country as a significant player in the global semiconductor market.

References
1. [1] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-pitches-india-as-next-global-destination-for-semiconductor-125090301412_1.html
2. [2] https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/incoming/merck-and-tata-electronics-sign-mou-to-strengthen-semicon-capabilities-in-india/article70004346.ece