Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, using the platform to celebrate India’s strong economic growth while indirectly criticizing US President Donald Trump over high tariffs on Indian goods. Modi emphasized that India had achieved impressive progress on the economic front despite the challenges created by global economic self-interest.

India’s Growth Defies Global Uncertainty

Speaking at the conference, Modi highlighted that India recorded 7.8 percent growth in the first quarter of the current financial year. This growth, he said, exceeded both domestic and international expectations, demonstrating the resilience of India’s economy at a time when concerns dominate much of the global financial landscape.

He stated, “India has achieved 7.8 percent growth in a period when the world is facing economic concerns and challenges born out of selfish interests.” His remarks were widely seen as a veiled reference to the steep tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Indian exports.

Beyond Expectations

Modi compared the actual GDP growth of 7.8 percent to the earlier projected figure of 6.5 percent, underscoring a significant outperformance of 1.3 percentage points. He stressed that this surge was broad-based, spanning manufacturing, services, agriculture, and construction.

According to Modi, this achievement has sparked widespread optimism across sectors. He added that the rapid pace of growth is generating new energy among citizens and solidifying India’s journey toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

Renewed Confidence in India

The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s performance is inspiring confidence globally. “The world trusts India, believes in India, and is ready to shape the future of semiconductors with India,” he declared.

He emphasized that India is actively working on a Critical Minerals Mission to meet the rising demand for rare minerals essential to digital infrastructure and semiconductor production.

Launch of India’s First Semiconductor Chip

One of the most significant highlights of the event was the unveiling of India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip, a milestone Modi described as a step toward technological self-reliance.

He explained that the government is working on the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, which will include a new Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. This program is aimed at strengthening domestic chip design and ensuring India becomes a major force in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Assuring a Technological Future

Modi told the audience, “The day is not far when the smallest chip made in India will bring the biggest transformation in the world.” His comments reinforced the vision of India as both an economic and technological powerhouse.

India’s Position in the Global Economy

Modi’s speech reflected not only confidence in India’s domestic growth but also a strong message to international stakeholders. By achieving a higher-than-expected growth rate, India is positioning itself as a reliable partner in global trade and innovation.

Despite external pressures, including protectionist trade policies, India’s progress demonstrates the country’s determination to chart an independent growth path. Modi reiterated that India’s economic resilience is proof of its long-term potential and global relevance.

The inauguration of Semicon India 2025 was more than a technology-focused event. It became a stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to showcase India’s robust economic performance, highlight the launch of its first semiconductor chip, and underline the country’s ambitions to become a global leader in both economy and technology.

His subtle remarks aimed at Donald Trump’s tariff policies underscored the challenges posed by international economic rivalries, but his focus remained firmly on India’s resilience and achievements. With record-breaking growth and ambitious initiatives like the Critical Minerals Mission and the new DLI scheme, Modi made it clear that India’s journey to becoming the third-largest economy in the world is already well underway.