India Should Aspire to Lead in Emerging Technologies: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India to aspire to become one of the early leaders in emerging technologies, underlining the importance of innovation, research and industry collaboration in shaping the country’s technological future. He made the remarks during a semiconductor roundtable with leading global and Indian CEOs in New Delhi on September 16, 2026.
The discussion comes ahead of SEMICON India 2026 and highlights the growing importance of semiconductors in India’s wider technology strategy. From artificial intelligence and automobiles to telecommunications, defence and digital infrastructure, semiconductors have become fundamental to modern economies.
From Technology Adoption to Technology Leadership
India’s technology ambitions are increasingly focused not only on adopting advanced technologies but also on strengthening domestic capabilities in their design, development and manufacturing. During the interaction, PM Modi stressed the need for closer cooperation between government, industry, researchers and technology companies to accelerate innovation.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced electronics and semiconductors are expected to play an important role in future economic and industrial development. Building expertise in these areas can also create opportunities for Indian companies, startups and research institutions to participate more deeply in global technology supply chains.
Semiconductor Ecosystem Expanding Across India
Semiconductors have emerged as a major focus of India’s technology and manufacturing strategy. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, 12 semiconductor projects had been approved across six states by mid-2026, with investment commitments of around ₹1.64 lakh crore, according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The projects cover fabrication, compound semiconductors and advanced packaging.
The programme is also moving from policy announcements towards actual production. A government factsheet released in August 2026 said three semiconductor facilities had commenced commercial production, marking an expansion of India’s capabilities from chip design and policy support towards manufacturing.
Semicon 2.0 Broadens the Technology Push
The next stage of the programme is being developed under Semicon 2.0. Approved in July 2026, the initiative has a total outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore and focuses on six broad areas, including chip design, semiconductor equipment and materials, fabrication, advanced packaging, research and development, and talent development.
The focus on equipment, materials and indigenous semiconductor intellectual property is particularly significant because a complete semiconductor ecosystem requires much more than chip fabrication. Developing capabilities across these areas can strengthen domestic value addition and help connect Indian companies with different stages of the global semiconductor supply chain.
New Investments Strengthen Manufacturing Capabilities
Additional projects are also expanding the geographical and technological spread of the semiconductor ecosystem. In May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor projects in Gujarat with a combined investment of about ₹3,936 crore. The projects include a compound semiconductor fabrication and advanced packaging facility as well as an outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing facility.
The government has also highlighted the growing electronics manufacturing base in the country. According to a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology update, electronics production increased from around ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to approximately ₹12 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Building Talent for the Next Technology Wave
Infrastructure and investment need to be supported by a strong pool of skilled professionals. India’s semiconductor initiatives therefore include efforts to expand chip-design capabilities, research and training and access to advanced electronic design tools.
The government has said that hundreds of academic institutions and startups are participating in semiconductor design initiatives. Semicon 2.0 also places specific emphasis on industry-led research and training centres, reflecting the importance of developing specialised skills alongside physical manufacturing capacity.
Emerging Technologies and India's Digital Future
The semiconductor push forms part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s position in advanced technology. Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and advanced electronics are increasingly connected to sectors ranging from healthcare and communications to manufacturing, transportation and national infrastructure.
A stronger domestic semiconductor base could support these areas by providing access to critical components and encouraging greater collaboration between chip designers, manufacturers, technology companies and research institutions. At the same time, India's ability to build globally competitive products will depend on sustained research, skilled talent, private investment and successful commercialisation.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s growing focus on semiconductors and emerging technologies reflects an important shift towards building stronger domestic capabilities in areas that will shape the future economy. The expansion of semiconductor projects, Semicon 2.0, investments in manufacturing and greater attention to research and skilled talent can help create a wider ecosystem connecting startups, industries, researchers and global technology companies. This approach can strengthen India’s participation in global technology supply chains while creating new opportunities for innovation and high-value manufacturing.
The call for India to aspire to early leadership in emerging technologies also highlights the importance of sustained collaboration between government, industry and research institutions. Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and advanced electronics are increasingly interconnected, making investment in talent, research, design and manufacturing essential for long-term progress. As these initiatives continue to develop, their success will be reflected in India’s ability to turn technological investments into practical innovations, competitive products and stronger capabilities across the emerging technology landscape.
(Sources: India TV, The New Indian Express, The Hindu BusinessLine)
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