Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the rapid expansion of India’s semiconductor ecosystem and the growing opportunities for innovation, investment and industrial growth.
He expressed particular gratitude to the international attendees who had traveled to India to partake in the fifth edition of the summit. “I extend a special welcome to the guests who have come to India from abroad,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister said the event’s inauguration on Vishwakarma Diwas represented a significant convergence of India’s traditional culture of creation and craftsmanship with 21st-century technology and innovation. He described this combination as an inspiration for a self-reliant India and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
India’s economic growth strengthening global confidence
Referring to developments over the preceding 15 days, the Prime Minister highlighted several milestones, including discussions on inclusive finance at the Global Fintech Fest, the operationalisation of a 3,000-km Dedicated Freight Corridor and quarterly GDP growth of 7.8 per cent.
He also referred to a recent sovereign rating upgrade by a Japanese credit rating agency, saying the developments reflected both India’s economic growth and rising international confidence in the country.
PM Modi also cited the recently concluded BRICS Summit hosted by India and the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration as another indication of growing global trust in India.
From policy framework to commercial chip production
Recalling the journey of SEMICON India since its inception in 2022, PM Modi said India’s semiconductor programme had progressed from policy discussions and project planning to pilot lines and commercial production.
He noted that chips manufactured in India have now begun reaching customers in the country and overseas, while commercial production has commenced at two new plants in Mohali and Surat.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the complexity of establishing a semiconductor ecosystem, which requires capabilities spanning chip design, equipment manufacturing and testing. He credited industry partners with helping India make rapid progress across these areas.
$13.5 billion second phase of Semiconductor Mission
Highlighting the next phase of the sector’s development, PM Modi announced the $13.5 billion second phase of the Semiconductor Mission. He also pointed to regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating greater collaboration among international companies, startups and semiconductor design firms.
He said the government was taking steps to support the successful implementation of semiconductor projects and maintain momentum in the sector.
The Prime Minister stressed that India’s semiconductor ambitions extend beyond fabrication to the creation of a comprehensive domestic supply chain. He called for greater development of fabless companies and intellectual property, while highlighting the potential of silicon photonics for AI-enabled infrastructure.
With 12 semiconductor projects already approved and demand continuing to expand, PM Modi urged companies involved in equipment, chemicals, gases and materials to seize the emerging opportunities.
“We want the entire ecosystem to grow together,” he said.
Focus on semiconductor talent and R&D
The Prime Minister identified India’s large engineering talent pool as a major strength for the semiconductor industry. He highlighted government initiatives to build specialised skills in chip design and said the target was to train one lakh engineering students, with around 70,000 already trained.
Recalling that he had received custom-designed chips developed by students, PM Modi described India’s skilled engineering talent as a major opportunity for semiconductor companies.
He also called on young researchers working in India and those pursuing research abroad to contribute to the development of advanced technologies in the country.
PM Modi urged industry leaders to take a stronger role in domestic research and development, saying greater industry participation in R&D could support business expansion while creating opportunities for India’s young talent.
AI changing semiconductor requirements
Addressing the changing semiconductor landscape, PM Modi said the rapid growth of artificial intelligence was transforming the requirements of the industry.
He noted that the focus was increasingly moving beyond transistor size towards broader system-level integration, including memory placement and heat management. Against this backdrop, he said India was preparing to emerge as a reliable manufacturing destination for the evolving global semiconductor industry.
“The world is looking for new and trusted manufacturing destinations,” PM Modi said, stressing that India was steadily building the capabilities required to meet this demand.
Energy security critical for semiconductor industry
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of reliable energy supplies for semiconductor manufacturing and AI-driven data centres.
He noted that AI data centres require large amounts of electricity, while semiconductor manufacturing plants also need uninterrupted power. In this context, he highlighted India’s investments in expanding its energy capacity, including the growth of solar power to more than 160 GW.
He also referred to the opening of the nuclear energy sector to private players and the development of small modular reactors, describing the expansion of the power sector as an important component of India’s industrial preparedness.
PM Modi said reliable energy infrastructure would provide a fundamental strength to the country’s semiconductor ecosystem.
India seeks to become preferred semiconductor destination
Concluding his address, PM Modi linked India’s technological ambitions with its democratic institutions and recalled the 75-year legacy of the Indian Constitution.
He said the success of a critical industry such as semiconductors in the “Mother of Democracy” would contribute to strengthening global supply chains.
The Prime Minister invited global industry stakeholders to explore the opportunities emerging in India, saying the country’s aspirations and new opportunities were ready to welcome them.
