India is gearing up to fabricate its very first semiconductor chip in just two years, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. This ambitious move comes as major U.S.
India is gearing up to fabricate its very first semiconductor chip in just two years, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. This ambitious move comes as major U.S. chipmakers like Nvidia, AMD, and Micron plan to expand their operations in the country.
During a recent interview with CNBC in New York, Goyal emphasized the growing interest in India’s semiconductor market. “I’m in touch with the Micron CEO regularly, and they are making good progress,” he said, highlighting the collaboration with domestic giants like Tata to bring India’s chip dreams to life.
While it may be challenging for India to produce the most advanced chips without expertise from leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung, Goyal remains optimistic. “It’s tough, but we have the talent and skills,” he noted, mentioning his recent visits to Silicon Valley where he saw many Indians working in key roles at major companies.
India has already made significant strides in manufacturing, with 14% of the world’s iPhones produced in the country—a number expected to rise. Apple has ramped up its assembly operations in India over the past two years, not just for iPhones but also for iPads, AirPods, and Apple Watches. Goyal pointed out that Apple’s expansion has created around 150,000 jobs, making it the largest employer in India’s electronics sector.
“Indian customers are increasingly choosing higher-end iPhones,” Goyal added, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences that bodes well for Apple’s future in India.
Goyal emphasized that India’s growth is not reliant on challenges faced by China. “We stand on our own competencies and believe we have an offering that is far superior to China,” he asserted, aiming to instill confidence among investors.
During his visit, Goyal also met with Wall Street investors from firms like BlackRock, Warburg Pincus, and KKR, who are keen on developing data centers across India. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia are bringing their artificial intelligence expertise to the country, which the Indian government welcomes.
However, despite this wave of optimism, experts caution that India still faces hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucracy, and red tape that could slow down corporate expansion. Goyal’s government must tackle these challenges to ensure a smooth path for foreign investment and technology development.
India’s commitment to chip manufacturing marks a significant step toward becoming a global player in the semiconductor industry, potentially reshaping the tech landscape in the coming years.
