The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated SemiconIndia 2023 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest to become a leading player in the semiconductor industry. The conference revolves around the theme ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem,’ showcasing India’s comprehensive semiconductor strategy aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.
Industry leaders gathered to express their support and enthusiasm for India’s semiconductor potential, announcing significant investments and collaborations that will bolster India’s position in the industry.
India’s growth in the semiconductor industry has been commendable, and Shri Ajit Minocha, President and CEO of SEMI, remarked that for the first time in India’s history, geopolitical and domestic factors are aligned in favor of making India a key player in semiconductor production. Investments by companies like Micron are making history in India, setting the stage for others to follow suit. The leadership’s understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem makes the present system different, and India is poised to become the next powerhouse in semiconductor development in Asia.
Mr. Mark Papermaster, EVP, and CTO of AMD, announced a substantial investment of approximately (Four thousand) 400 million dollars over the next 5 years. AMD plans to enhance its research and development capabilities, building its largest design center in Bengaluru.
Dr. Prabu Raja, President of Semiconductor Product Group Applied Materials, expressed confidence in India’s central role in the global semiconductor industry. He emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships and a new collaborative model that can serve as a catalyst for growth in the sector.
Anirudh Devgan, President, and CEO of Cadence, expressed his happiness in witnessing India’s investments into semiconductors and highlighted the government’s commitment to the entire semiconductor ecosystem.
Anil Agrawal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, praised Gujarat as the potential silicon valley of India and highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of creating new opportunities for the Indian youth.
Shri Sanjay Mehrotra, the President, and CEO of Micron Technology expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for envisioning India’s transformation into a prominent global semiconductor hub. The setting up of a semiconductor assembly and test facility for memory in Gujarat will create thousands of jobs, fostering innovation, business growth, and social progress.
Mr. Young Liu, the Chairman of Foxconn, highlighted the resolute essence of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, showcasing its potential applicability in India. He assured India that Taiwan will be its most trusted partner in the semiconductor industry.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi likened events like Semicon to software updates, where experts and industry leaders come together to synchronize relationships. He praised the innovations and energy displayed at the exhibition and encouraged everyone, especially the younger generation, to visit and understand the power of new technology.
Reflecting on India’s progress in the semiconductor sector, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the transformation from ‘Why invest in India’ to ‘Why not invest in India’ in just one year. He highlighted India’s exponential growth in global electronic manufacturing and emphasized the crucial role of Indian aspirations in the Industry 4.0 revolution.
The Prime Minister stressed India’s potential to become a reliable supply chain partner, offering a stable, reform-oriented government, an abundant talent pool, and a conducive policy environment. He outlined various policy reforms and incentives for the semiconductor industry, making India an excellent conductor for semiconductor investments.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India is fully aware of its global responsibilities and is actively collaborating with friendly nations to develop a comprehensive roadmap. India’s robust semiconductor ecosystem will play a central role in shaping its future in the global supply chain. He assured the industry leaders of the government’s full support in their endeavors.
