The government has confirmed that the country’s first indigenously developed semiconductor chip will be launched by the end of 2025. The announcement, made by Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Annual Business Summit, marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing.
The upcoming chip will be manufactured in the 28 to 90 nanometre (nm) range, an industry sweet spot that accounts for nearly 60% of global semiconductor demand. These chips are essential for a wide array of applications, including:
Automotive electronics
Telecommunications
Industrial power systems
Railway technologies
Smaller nanometre values indicate higher transistor density, which translates to better performance and energy efficiency. By focusing on this segment, India aims to address critical needs across multiple sectors while reducing dependence on imported technology.
The rollout is supported by the construction of six state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication units, a process that began in 2022 and is progressing rapidly. Key collaborations include:
Tata Electronics and PSMC (Taiwan): The Dholera fabrication plant in Gujarat will be the cornerstone of India’s chip manufacturing ecosystem, with Tata leading the assembly and testing efforts.
Micron Technology: The Sanand facility in Gujarat is set to deliver India-made chips for data centers, smartphones, IoT devices, and automotive industries.
Government Investment: The Semicon India programme, launched in December 2021 with a budget of ₹76,000 crore, underpins these efforts.
Launching an indigenous semiconductor chip is more than a technological achievement, it’s a strategic move in a world where secure, diversified supply chains are increasingly vital. The initiative aligns with the “Digital India” vision, aiming to:
Reduce reliance on foreign imports
Foster innovation and intellectual property creation
Position India as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing
With ongoing geopolitical shifts and rising demand for secure electronics, India’s entry into chip manufacturing is expected to have ripple effects across global supply chains.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that India’s semiconductor push is part of a larger strategy to boost both manufacturing and services. He highlighted the importance of developing indigenous intellectual property, products, and standards, as well as leveraging artificial intelligence for future growth.
The first Made-in-India chip is expected to be unveiled by September or October 2025. As the fabrication plants near completion, the government is also encouraging startups and innovators through sandbox policies and pilot programs, particularly in the railway and industrial sectors.
