Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip at the inauguration of Semicon India 2025, marking a historic step toward technological self-reliance and digital empowerment. The event, held in New Delhi, focused on strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem and highlighted the nation’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for advanced electronics manufacturing.

Modi’s Humorous Start Wins Applause

During his address, PM Modi began by referring to his recent visits to Japan and China. He mentioned that he had returned to India late on Monday night. As the audience applauded warmly, Modi smiled and asked, “Are you clapping because I went there or because I have come back?” The remark drew laughter across the hall, showcasing his trademark ability to mix seriousness with light-hearted interaction.

The Vision of Semicon India 2025

The three-day Semicon India 2025 conference is designed to accelerate India’s journey toward building a robust, resilient, and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the event represents a crucial step in making India a global leader in the semiconductor industry.

PM Modi stressed that the world today trusts India, believes in India, and is willing to collaborate with India to shape the future of semiconductors. He emphasized that the launch of the first indigenous semiconductor chip is not just a technological milestone but a declaration of India’s determination to lead in advanced manufacturing.

Importance of Critical Minerals

In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the strategic importance of critical minerals in building digital infrastructure. He revealed that India has already begun work on a Critical Minerals Mission, which will ensure the availability of rare minerals essential for chip manufacturing and other advanced technologies. He reiterated the government’s commitment to meeting the rising global demand for these resources and ensuring India plays a central role in this supply chain.

Advancing the India Semiconductor Mission

Modi highlighted that the government is actively working on the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission. He explained that new policies and initiatives will focus on strengthening design, manufacturing, and global competitiveness.

The Prime Minister announced that the government is preparing to launch a new Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, which will support domestic innovators and companies in designing world-class semiconductor products. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when the smallest chip made in India will drive the largest transformations globally.

India’s Growing Semiconductor Aspirations

India’s semiconductor mission is a multi-pronged strategy aimed at reducing dependence on imports and becoming a reliable global supplier. The country is already witnessing investments in semiconductor fabrication plants, chip design hubs, and advanced packaging units. With rising digital adoption, demand for chips in India is surging, covering sectors such as smartphones, consumer electronics, automobiles, defense, and artificial intelligence.

Modi emphasized that Semicon India is not just a conference but a roadmap toward realizing India’s technological ambitions. He said that building a strong semiconductor ecosystem would not only strengthen the economy but also ensure national security in a rapidly digitizing world.

The Role of Incentives and Policy Support

The government has already introduced incentive schemes to attract global semiconductor giants to India. By extending these incentives to cover design and innovation through the expanded DLI scheme, India aims to nurture homegrown companies and startups. This would allow the country to move up the value chain from being a consumer of semiconductors to becoming a producer and innovator.

PM Modi reminded industry leaders and stakeholders that India’s young talent pool, combined with government support, makes the country one of the most attractive destinations for semiconductor investments. He invited global partners to join hands with India in creating a sustainable and equitable supply chain.

A Step Toward Technological Self-Reliance

The unveiling of India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip is a landmark moment. Modi described it as a leap toward technological self-reliance, symbolizing India’s progress under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the chip reflects India’s growing ability to design, manufacture, and deploy complex technologies domestically.

He expressed optimism that India’s innovations would soon power not only its own economy but also contribute significantly to global technological progress.

Global Collaboration and India’s Role

PM Modi underlined that the world is looking at India as a trusted partner in building resilient semiconductor supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic had exposed vulnerabilities in global chip supply, and countries are now working toward diversifying their manufacturing bases. Modi positioned India as a credible alternative, citing its democracy, stable policies, and skilled workforce.

He added that collaboration with global players would be essential in achieving scale and sustainability in the sector. He assured international investors that India is committed to creating a transparent and supportive environment for semiconductor innovation.

The inauguration of Semicon India 2025 and the unveiling of India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip marked a defining moment in India’s technological journey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech combined humor, vision, and determination, capturing the spirit of a nation striving to lead in advanced technologies.

With the Critical Minerals Mission, the India Semiconductor Mission’s next phase, and the forthcoming DLI scheme, India is charting a clear path toward semiconductor self-reliance and global leadership. Modi’s assurance that India’s smallest chips will bring the world’s biggest changes reflects both ambition and confidence.

As the three-day conference continues, the focus will remain on turning India’s aspirations into actionable strategies, ensuring that the country not only participates in the global semiconductor revolution but helps drive it.