PM Modi at SEMICON India 2026 Highlights India’s Semiconductor Success and Global Supply Chains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi on September 17, highlighting India’s progress in the semiconductor sector and its potential role in strengthening global supply chains.

Speaking at Yashobhoomi, Modi said that success in a critical industry such as semiconductors can contribute to stronger global supply chains, particularly at a time when disruptions and geopolitical tensions are affecting international manufacturing networks.

What did PM Modi say at SEMICON India 2026?

During his address, Modi said that India’s success in the semiconductor industry should be viewed not only from the perspective of domestic manufacturing but also in terms of its impact on global supply chains.

He said the semiconductor industry is facing several challenges and argued that the world needs reliable manufacturing hubs. Modi said India is preparing itself for this role while working to strengthen its supply chains through policy reforms.

The Prime Minister also highlighted areas such as compound semiconductors and silicon photonics, saying the foundations for these technologies are being developed as part of India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem.

Why are global semiconductor supply chains important?

Semiconductors are essential components used in smartphones, computers, automobiles, industrial equipment, telecommunications systems, artificial intelligence infrastructure and many other technologies.

Because chip manufacturing involves multiple stages and countries, disruptions at one point in the supply chain can affect manufacturers and consumers elsewhere.

India is therefore attempting to expand its presence beyond chip design and services by developing capabilities across manufacturing, packaging, testing, equipment, research and related electronics industries.

SEMICON India 2026 is focused on this broader ecosystem under the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.” The event is being held from September 17 to 19 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.

How far has India progressed in semiconductor manufacturing?

India’s semiconductor programme has moved from policy planning and project approvals toward commercial production.

The government has approved 12 semiconductor projects under the first phase of the Semicon India Programme. SEMI said ahead of the event that three of those projects had commenced commercial production.

At SEMICON India 2026, commercial production at semiconductor facilities including CDIL and Suchi Semicon was also inaugurated, marking another step in the development of India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

However, India’s semiconductor ambitions extend beyond individual factories. The broader objective is to establish an ecosystem covering design, fabrication, assembly, testing, packaging, materials, equipment and talent.

What is SEMICON India 2026?

SEMICON India 2026 is the fifth edition of the country's major semiconductor and electronics industry event.

It is being held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from September 17 to September 19, 2026. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the event brings together more than 600 exhibitors and around 300 international companies, with participation from delegations representing more than 40 countries.

The event brings together semiconductor companies, equipment manufacturers, policymakers, investors, researchers, startups, academics and students.

Its focus reflects the changing nature of India’s semiconductor strategy, with greater attention being placed on building an interconnected ecosystem rather than focusing only on individual chip-manufacturing facilities.

What is India’s semiconductor strategy?

India launched the Semicon India Programme to support the development of a domestic semiconductor and display ecosystem.

The strategy involves government incentives and support for projects across different parts of the semiconductor value chain.

These include:

• Semiconductor fabrication
• Assembly, testing and packaging
• Chip design
• Compound semiconductors
• Semiconductor materials
• Manufacturing equipment
• Research and development
• Workforce development

The objective is to create a more complete domestic ecosystem while also allowing Indian companies and international semiconductor businesses to participate in the country's manufacturing and technology network.

What did PM Modi say about India’s future role in chip manufacturing?

Modi presented India as a potential manufacturing destination for companies looking to diversify their semiconductor supply chains.

He said India is continuously preparing to become a reliable manufacturing hub and pointed to policy reforms designed to strengthen supply-chain resilience.

The Prime Minister also called on international semiconductor equipment and component companies attending SEMICON India to consider opportunities emerging from India's expanding ecosystem.

This comes as semiconductor companies globally seek additional manufacturing and supply-chain locations amid growing demand, especially from artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

What new investments are being announced around SEMICON India?

The SEMICON India event has also coincided with major investment announcements.

US semiconductor equipment manufacturer Applied Materials announced plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next decade. The investment is expected to support research, supply-chain development and workforce expansion.

The announcement came as more companies look to diversify semiconductor manufacturing and related activities across different geographic markets.

A separate development at the event was a partnership between Nexperia and Tata Electronics covering semiconductor production and packaging in India. The companies said the partnership will include manufacturing Nexperia power-control chips at Tata's Dholera facility and testing and assembly at its packaging plant in Assam.

How could semiconductor manufacturing affect India’s electronics industry?

A larger semiconductor ecosystem could support India's wider electronics manufacturing sector.

Chips are fundamental components in smartphones, vehicles, computers, appliances, telecom equipment and industrial systems. Greater domestic access to chip manufacturing, testing and packaging could therefore create opportunities for companies operating at different stages of the electronics value chain.

It could also support demand for engineers, technicians, researchers and specialised manufacturing workers.

The government has said it is focusing on talent development alongside infrastructure and manufacturing projects. Modi said at SEMICON India that the government has set a target of training one lakh engineering students for the semiconductor industry and that more than 70,000 had already been trained.

What is the significance of AI for India’s semiconductor push?

Artificial intelligence is increasing demand for advanced computing infrastructure and semiconductor components.

AI data centres require large amounts of computing power, memory, networking equipment and specialised chips. This has made semiconductor manufacturing and supply-chain security increasingly important for technology companies and governments.

Modi specifically connected technologies such as compound semiconductors and silicon photonics with the infrastructure needed for AI-enabled systems.

India's semiconductor strategy is therefore developing alongside the country's broader ambitions in artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

Has India started commercial semiconductor production?

Yes. Commercial production has begun at some semiconductor projects approved under the Semicon India Programme.

SEMI said before SEMICON India 2026 that three of the 12 projects approved under the first phase had commenced commercial production.

The development represents a shift from announcing projects to actually operating semiconductor-related manufacturing facilities.

At the same time, India's semiconductor ecosystem remains under development. Large-scale fabrication is a complex, capital-intensive process, and building a complete supply chain requires continued investment in infrastructure, materials, equipment, technology and skilled workers.

What does India’s semiconductor progress mean for global supply chains?

India's expanding semiconductor industry could provide another manufacturing and technology base within the global electronics supply chain.

For international companies, diversification can reduce dependence on a limited number of manufacturing locations. For India, participation in the semiconductor value chain could increase its role in electronics manufacturing and technology production.

The extent of this impact will depend on how quickly approved projects scale up, how much supporting infrastructure develops and whether India can attract sustained investment across the wider semiconductor ecosystem.

SEMICON India 2026: Key facts

What comes next for India’s semiconductor industry?

The next stage will focus on expanding the ecosystem around the projects already approved and attracting additional investment.

The government is also moving toward a second phase of its semiconductor programme. During his SEMICON India address, Modi said India had entered the second phase of its semiconductor journey, with a focus on expanding capabilities and moving further into advanced technologies.

For India, the challenge now extends beyond attracting projects. Building a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem requires reliable infrastructure, specialised talent, research capabilities, suppliers, equipment, materials and strong links between companies and institutions.

FAQs

What did PM Modi say at SEMICON India 2026?

PM Modi highlighted India's progress in semiconductor manufacturing and said success in this critical industry can help strengthen global supply chains. He also called on global semiconductor companies to explore opportunities in India.

When is SEMICON India 2026 being held?

SEMICON India 2026 is being held from September 17 to September 19, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.

What is the theme of SEMICON India 2026?

The theme is “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.”

How many semiconductor projects has India approved?

Twelve semiconductor projects have been approved under the first phase of the Semicon India Programme. SEMI reported that three had commenced commercial production ahead of SEMICON India 2026.

Why are semiconductors important for global supply chains?

Semiconductors are used across industries including electronics, automobiles, telecommunications and computing. Expanding manufacturing across more locations can help diversify global supply networks.