At India's Semicon, Narendra Modi launches a charm offensive for global investors, drawing pledges from Applied Materials and Lam for billions in investment

India's semiconductor talent pool grows significantly with a target of 100,000 new workers and substantial investment in chip design startups.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, a three-day event focused on establishing India as a global semiconductor hub. The conference, running from September 17-19, attracted over 600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, including major players like Applied Materials and Lam Research. Key announcements included pledges for billions in investment and the approval of 12 new semiconductor projects under the 'Semicon India Programme'. The government also outlined 'Semicon 2.0', a six-pillar strategy aimed at bolstering chip design, manufacturing, and talent development. Companies like Micron and Infineon highlighted their expansion in India, with Micron increasing chip production and Infineon growing its workforce and opening a new Center of Excellence. Tata Electronics announced 16 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen its domestic supply chain, with a focus on its fabrication facility in Gujarat and packaging unit in Assam.

The scale of investment and partnership pledges at SEMICON India 2026 signals a strong global confidence in India's semiconductor manufacturing ambitions. The focus on building a comprehensive ecosystem, from materials to systems and advanced packaging, suggests a strategic approach to capturing a larger share of the global semiconductor value chain. This concerted effort aims to attract substantial foreign direct investment and foster domestic capabilities, positioning India as a key player in a sector critical for technological advancement and national security.

With the government backing initiatives like 'Semicon 2.0' and setting ambitious targets for chip design startups and talent development, the landscape for semiconductor innovation in India is set to transform. The success of these programs will not only drive economic growth but also reduce reliance on international supply chains for critical components. The emphasis on R&D and industry-led collaboration indicates a long-term vision for self-sufficiency and leadership in advanced electronics manufacturing.