India is making bold strides toward establishing itself as a global semiconductor powerhouse, aiming for self-reliance in manufacturing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious goals, targeting a leap in the country’s electronics sector from $155 billion today to $500 billion by 2030. However, experts are divided on whether this target is feasible, with a consensus that India cannot achieve it on its own.
Eri Ikeda, assistant professor at IIT Delhi, highlights that India’s semiconductor journey is still in its early stages. Taiwan leads global semiconductor production with 44% market share, followed by China (28%) and other key players like South Korea and the U.S. Collaborative efforts are already in motion, such as Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor partnering with Tata Electronics to build India’s first wafer fab in Gujarat, and American chipmaker Micron Technology planning to produce semiconductors in India by 2025.
India’s drive for semiconductor self-reliance is partly fueled by its growing role as a viable alternative to China for global supply chains. However, analysts caution that India must first learn the nuances of the semiconductor industry. Rishi Bhatnagar of the Institution of Engineering and Technology suggests that India should focus on collaboration rather than direct competition with China, which continues to invest heavily in semiconductor equipment from the U.S. and Japan.
India is strengthening ties with the U.S. to diversify its semiconductor sources. The U.S. Department of State has partnered with India’s Semiconductor Mission to bolster global semiconductor value chains, further fueled by geopolitical tensions with China. As a democratic nation with a growing English-speaking workforce, India is positioned as an attractive investment destination for tech giants like Apple and Google.
While infrastructure and investment challenges remain, India has advantages such as a low labor cost and a young workforce. The country is also making significant improvements in its infrastructure, with plans to modernize highways, railways, and airports. These developments are crucial as India positions itself to cater to the increasing global demand for semiconductors.
Despite the hurdles, optimism persists. Analysts see India’s potential to meet global chip demands while maintaining lower production costs, offering a competitive edge over China. Samir Kapadia, CEO of India Index, emphasizes India’s unique combination of economic stability, workforce potential, and infrastructure development, making it a strong contender in the global semiconductor race.