Opinion | From Vision to Reality: India's Semiconductor Journey - News18

With the focus now on India, it is the country's moment to excel as an energetic center for semiconductors, enhancing worldwide supply chains and transforming the landscape of chip production. The SemiconIndia 2023 event highlights India's firm commitment to educating the younger generation, driving the nation to the forefront of this crucial sector.

In his speech at the convention, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accurately expressed the speedy change that has occurred in just 12 months. The question of whether to invest in India is no longer uncertain, but instead it is confidently stated that one should invest in India. This important shift demonstrates the progress India has made and fuels the enthusiasm of international stakeholders to endorse and participate in the country's expanding semiconductor sector.

In the complex world of advanced technology, semiconductors are essential building blocks, despite their small size. They are crucial in the ever-changing field of computing and electronic wonders. From the commonly used smartphones and laptops that have become an integral part of our lives, to the extensive network that we call the internet, semiconductors are the foundation of our connected world. In addition to their role in internet infrastructure, semiconductors can be found in a wide range of electronic devices.

Furthermore, their ability to bring about significant changes extends to the healthcare field, where they give strength to crucial medical devices and technologies that save lives, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps. Furthermore, semiconductors have practical uses in capturing the sun's energy via solar cells and are crucial in power electronics. They also play a vital role in developing advanced sensors for a wide range of applications.

The India Semiconductor Mission is a smart initiative that aligns perfectly with India's G20 goals of unity and progress, as well as the 'Make in India' movement. This grand mission not only showcases India's commitment to sharing its expertise and resources for global welfare, but also highlights its firm resolve to decrease dependence on imports and become self-reliant.

The prime minister astutely stated, "The essence of our 'Make in India' campaign goes beyond just manufacturing within the country, but also involves producing goods that have a significant impact worldwide." The SemiconIndia Conference, which took place from April 29 to May 1, 2022, played a crucial role in connecting the industry and the government to collaboratively shape policies. Its objective was to position India as a key player in the forthcoming technological revolution.

India's dedication was apparent by allocating $10 billion to the India Semiconductor Mission. This financial backing created a favorable atmosphere, nurturing a strong semiconductor industry and positioning India at the forefront of global leadership. India has stressed the long-term commitment to this initiative, highlighting the careful planning and collaborative efforts to establish itself as a top-notch hub for chip design and manufacturing. Demonstrating a significant change, major international companies like Applied Materials made substantial investments in India. Their commitment of Rs 1800 crore and the purchase of land in Bengaluru for manufacturing facilities showcased India's rise in the semiconductor sector.

From 2014 until now, India's electronic manufacturing industry has experienced a significant growth, going from less than $30 billion to surpass $100 billion currently. In the past couple of years, the exports of electronics and mobile devices have even doubled. The number of mobile manufacturing units has increased dramatically, rising from just two to over 200. Moreover, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of broadband users, escalating from 60 million to an astonishing 800 million, with internet connections surpassing 850 million.

With an allocation of Rs 76,000 crore, the Indian government's new policy for semiconductor manufacturing is set to provide a financial boost. The policy includes a generous incentive of 50 percent of the project expenditure for setting up semiconductor fabs anywhere in India, as well as incentives for establishing display fabs within the country. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the global impact of the ongoing Industry 4.0 revolution and highlighted India's enthusiastic embrace of technology. Across industries like healthcare, agriculture, and logistics, India has effectively utilized technology, thanks in large part to its talented engineers and innovative designers.

In today's world, India has become a dependable ally in strengthening global supply chains and gaining trust on a worldwide level. The use of semiconductors in India has significantly increased, thanks to local businesses like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, which have played a key role in promoting this growth.

Every fresh chance comes with its own set of difficulties. In the ever-changing realm of the semiconductor field, a crucial hurdle arises due to continual advancements and rapid technological changes. This complex industry not only requires substantial financial investment but also struggles with the intricate challenge of complexity. The previous SemiconIndia Conferences have been significant milestones in this progress. As India aims to become a worldwide center for semiconductors, the necessity for lasting and unwavering policies becomes clear. A smooth and uninterrupted flow of essential raw materials also serves as the foundation for this aspiration.

In order to achieve success in this domain, India must strengthen its current advantages and minimize weaknesses. This approach will not only propel us forward in technology but also bolster our national security and autonomy. It is widely acknowledged that semiconductor chips are the core of our modern era of information, and India has an opportunity to tap into this promise.

The blog section is written by Divya Singh Rathore, who works in the field of public policy. She can be found on Twitter with the handle @_divyarathore. Suhani Jain, on the other hand, is an undergraduate student studying Economics at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. She is currently interning at NITI Aayog. The opinions shared in this blog are personal and belong solely to the author. They may not represent the views of News18.