India’s Chip Ambitions Soar: Five to Six Semiconductor Projects Expected by 2026
NEW DELHI, India – India is poised to significantly escalate its presence in the global semiconductor landscape, with five to six commercial semiconductor projects anticipated to commence production by the close of 2026. This ambitious projection, announced by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan on Tuesday, signals a robust advancement in the nation’s strategic efforts to cultivate a self-reliant and thriving semiconductor ecosystem.
Speaking at a press conference heralding the fifth edition of Semicon India 2026, Krishnan highlighted the tangible successes of the initial phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0). "The Prime Minister inaugurated the first of those on February 28, followed by two more, and there is a likelihood that more will be inaugurated before the end of this year," he stated, referring to three major projects that have already achieved commercial production. He further elaborated, "We should touch about five or six before the end of this calendar year."
These operational projects are crucial in demonstrating the "actual on-ground success" of ISM 1.0, Krishnan emphasized. Their success is expected to bolster India’s credibility as an attractive and reliable destination for the global semiconductor industry, drawing further investment and collaboration.
Building on this momentum, the Indian government has secured Union Cabinet approval for ISM 2.0, an expanded initiative designed to broaden the scope of its semiconductor push. This new phase will encompass a wider array of critical areas, including advanced chip design, sophisticated manufacturing processes, cutting-edge packaging technologies, essential equipment and materials, robust research and development (R&D), and crucially, the development of a highly skilled talent pool.
Under ISM 2.0, the government plans to provide substantial support for R&D initiatives and actively encourage the adoption of more advanced technologies. Krishnan specifically mentioned promoting emerging fields such as silicon photonics and power semiconductors, underscoring the nation’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
A significant focus of this expanded mission will be the development of a specialized workforce for semiconductor manufacturing. While India boasts a substantial presence in semiconductor design, Krishnan acknowledged the imperative to strengthen the manufacturing workforce. "We have repeatedly made this point that while we have a substantial presence in the design workforce, almost 20 per cent in the manufacturing workforce, there is still work to be done," he explained. He envisions that training initiatives will not only meet India’s own requirements for skilled personnel but also cultivate a talent pool that can benefit other nations in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Semicon India 2026: A Global Confluence for the Future of Chips
Further underscoring India’s growing importance in the semiconductor sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 on September 17th. The prestigious event will take place at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre) in New Delhi.
The conference is anticipated to be a major international gathering, attracting participation from over 240 international companies, featuring more than 150 globally renowned speakers, and hosting delegations representing over 40 countries. Six country-specific pavilions are also expected to be a prominent feature of the event, facilitating networking and collaboration.
Krishnan highlighted the expanding India’s semiconductor opportunity, with domestic demand projected to double from an estimated $100 billion to approximately $200 billion. This burgeoning market, coupled with the growing pipeline of semiconductor projects, is set to create significant opportunities for global companies. Krishnan expressed optimism that Semicon India 2026 will serve as a crucial platform to foster greater industry partnerships and stimulate investment, further propelling India’s ascent in the global semiconductor domain.
