New Delhi: India is set to begin its first commercial semiconductor chip production in 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s push to become a global electronics manufacturing hub. Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the timeline aligns with the goals set under the India Semiconductor Mission, which was launched in early 2022 with a five year roadmap for commercial production.
According to the minister, four semiconductor plants are expected to commence operations this year, while pilot production has already begun at three facilities in 2025. He noted that several objectives under the mission’s first phase are progressing faster than planned, reflecting the rapid evolution of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Vaishnaw highlighted that global semiconductor equipment manufacturers are establishing operations in India, supported by a growing domestic materials manufacturing base. He also pointed to strong progress in talent development, stating that nearly 65,000 professionals have already been trained within four years, against a ten year target of 85,000 skilled workers.
Investment momentum has also accelerated significantly. Total investments in the sector have reached close to USD 90 billion, with committed investments projected to rise to USD 150 billion in the near term. The minister said international confidence in India’s semiconductor ambitions continues to grow, driven by policy stability, design expertise, and a large skilled workforce.
Speaking during his visit to the Netherlands, Vaishnaw underscored the importance of advanced lithography in chip manufacturing. He confirmed that India’s upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, will use cutting edge lithography equipment supplied by a leading global manufacturer based in the Netherlands. Lithography, he noted, remains the most complex and precision intensive stage of semiconductor production.
The minister also spoke about India’s expanding capabilities in artificial intelligence, noting progress across multiple layers of the AI ecosystem, including applications, infrastructure, sovereign models, and chip development. He said India is well positioned to emerge as a leader in AI driven applications, supported by robust research and development efforts.
Reflecting on global engagements, Vaishnaw said industry leaders have expressed strong confidence in India’s semiconductor and AI journey. With sustained investments, international collaboration, and a clear policy framework, India aims to firmly integrate itself into global electronics value chains and establish long term leadership in high technology manufacturing.
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