'India all set to become a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Semicon India 2023', a national-level event focusing on the semiconductor industry, in Gandhinagar on Friday. 

India has world of opportunities for semiconductor industry, PM Modi said at Semicon India 2023 conference. Highlighting India's electronics export potential, he said that electronics export from India has more than doubled in two years.

Semiconductors: The fourth industrial revolution

“I believe that the fourth industrial revolution we are witnessing in the world now is driven by Indian aspirations,” he said.

"A year ago, people asked why they should invest in Indian semiconductor sector; now they ask why not invest in India," PM Modi said. 

"Semiconductors not only our necessity; the world also needs a trusted and reliable chip supply chain," he added.

The 'Semicon India 2023' inaugural programme will highlight investment opportunities in India's semiconductor sector through an informative presentation and a stimulating panel discussion led by industry.

The event aims to catalyse the semiconductor industry's progress through networking, technology demonstrations and lucrative business prospects, it said.

Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, ST Microelectronics, Grantwood Technologies, Infineon Technologies, Applied Materials, and other prominent companies in the sector are participating in the event.

"I thank PM Modi for his vision to make India a global hub for semiconductors. Micron is committed to build a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat. We estimate that our project in Gujarat will create nearly 5,000 direct jobs and additional 15,000 jobs in the community,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO, Micron Technology present at the event. 

“We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyse other investments in the sector. Prime Minister your support for the semiconductor industry and workforce development has fostered an environment of innovation and business growth that is already creating strong results," he added.

Mark Papermaster, EVP and CTO, AMD said that the company will invest $400 million in next five years and AMD will enhance its R&D capabilities. 

"We will build our largest design centre in Bengaluru," Papermaster said.

Highlighting India's readiness to be part of the global semiconductor industry, Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI at Semicond India said, "Today I can say - the journey has begun. For the first time, geopolitics, domestic policies and private sector capacity are aligned in India’s favour to become player in semiconductor production. The Current semiconductor industry is likely to grow to $1 trillion industry  and India would be the next powerhouse in semiconductors in Asia".

"Let's do this together," Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn said addressing SemiconIndia 2023.

Building an ecosystem for chips in India is "for very brave", he said adding "Where there is a will, there is a way."

Lauding the determination of the Indian government in this regard, Liu expressed optimism about where the nation is headed on its semiconductor journey.  "Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner...Let's do this together," he said.