National Missions
The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India, designed to propel the country into the global spotlight as a leader in semiconductor and display manufacturing. With a substantial financial investment of ₹76,000 crore (around $10 billion), the mission aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported semiconductor chips and establish a robust, self-reliant electronics manufacturing ecosystem within the country.
Key Objectives:
(i) Establishment of Semiconductor Fabrication Plants: The mission encourages the development of semiconductor fabrication plants, such as the proposed $10 billion project in Maharashtra. This facility is expected to produce 80,000 wafers monthly and create thousands of jobs in the semiconductor sector.
(ii) Focus on Research and Development: The initiative aims to foster innovation by encouraging significant investments in semiconductor-related research and development. For example, companies like NXP Semiconductors are investing over $1 billion in India to focus on areas such as automotive electronics and telecommunications.
(iii) Enhancing Design Capabilities: The mission supports the creation of semiconductor design centers to drive innovation in chip design. Leading global firms like Analog Devices and Tata Group are already exploring opportunities to expand manufacturing capabilities in India.
(iv) International Collaborations: The mission seeks to build strategic global partnerships, such as with the U.S. Space Force, to develop semiconductor facilities in India with national security applications in mind. This will integrate India into critical global supply chains for semiconductor manufacturing.
Strategic Impact:
(i) ISM is crucial for strengthening India's position in the semiconductor market, which is expected to reach $63 billion by 2026. Through these efforts, India aims to create a self-sufficient electronics industry, reduce its dependence on imports, and become a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.