In a significant development for India’s tech and manufacturing ecosystem, Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India will roll out its first indigenously designed and manufactured semiconductor chip by the end of 2025. The chip, which falls within the 28nm to 90nm range, will mark India’s official entry into the global semiconductor manufacturing landscape.
The announcement was made during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit 2025, one of the country’s most influential business forums.
India Moves Past the Critics
“There were many who mocked our vision when we decided to pursue semiconductor manufacturing,” Vaishnaw said during his keynote. “But under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we stayed committed. Today, I’m proud to say our first chip is coming this year built entirely on Indian soil.”
His remarks addressed years of skepticism about India’s ability to build semiconductor fabs and supply chains, given the technical complexity and high capital costs involved. However, recent progress suggests the country is on track to defy expectations.
Built in India, for India and the World
The chip rollout is part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), launched in 2021 with a ₹76,000 crore incentive package aimed at creating a full-fledged semiconductor ecosystem. The chips—manufactured at new facilities including the Dholera plant in Gujarat—will be built for sectors such as automotive electronics, telecom, industrial automation, and consumer devices.
While advanced nodes like 5nm and 3nm dominate high-end smartphone and data center markets, the 28–90nm range is widely used in devices that form the backbone of modern infrastructure.
Strategic Imperative for National Growth
India currently imports over $25 billion worth of semiconductor components annually. The rollout of a homegrown chip is expected to reduce this dependence significantly and bolster national security, particularly in sensitive areas like defense and telecom.
“India cannot allow its digital future to be hostage to external supply shocks,” said Vaishnaw. “This is about sovereignty, security, and scale.”
Creating the Ecosystem
The chip is only the beginning. The government is also investing in R&D, skills development, and international partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability. Collaborations with global companies like Micron, AMD, and Tower Semiconductor have accelerated technology transfer and design capability within India.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen semiconductor education through premier institutions like the IITs and new semiconductor-focused centers of excellence.
Industry Reaction
The announcement has been welcomed across India’s tech, electronics, and startup ecosystems.
“This is a strategic breakthrough,” said Anil Raj, CEO of a semiconductor design firm in Bengaluru. “It demonstrates India’s capability not just in chip design, but in full-scale fabrication. That changes the game.”
What’s Next for India’s Chip Ambitions
According to Vaishnaw, India’s semiconductor journey will not stop at 90nm. The roadmap includes scaling down to 14nm and beyond in the coming years, along with the development of chip packaging and advanced materials.
He noted, “In five years, India will not only manufacture chips. We will lead in chip innovation.”
Conclusion
India’s semiconductor debut represents a major leap toward self-reliance in technology and a future where the country is not just a consumer of high-tech components, but a creator. This announcement is not only a win for Indian manufacturing but a signal to the world that India is serious about becoming a global technology powerhouse.
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