Photo credit: ANI
Underscoring the importance of self-reliance for India’s technological future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said: “Only by becoming self-reliant can India become a developed country. For this, chips made in India are very important. “While addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of India Chip Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between HCL Group and Foxconn, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the global shortage of semiconductor chips during the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the economy and led to the shutdown of factories around the world.
“Whatever India does in the technology space this decade, it will be the foundation of our 21st century capabilities,” the Prime Minister added.Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s growing semiconductor ambitions, noting that “India has so far approved 10 semiconductor manufacturing and packaging projects under its Semiconductor Mission,” adding that “four of these projects will start production soon.”The Prime Minister also welcomed the entry of major companies into the Indian chip manufacturing industry, stressing the need for self-reliance. He called for “atmanirbharta” in the process, stressing the objective of strengthening India’s leadership in global markets.Modi said: “Today, a large company like Foxconn has settled in India and cooperated in the field of chip manufacturing, which also sends a message to the world. A democratic country like India is a trustworthy partner of the world. Therefore, India is recognized as the world’s factory, which is a win-win situation for India and other countries.”The new Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility will be located at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area in Jewar, Greater Noida. The 60:40 joint venture between HCL Group and Foxconn has an investment of Rs 3,700 crore and is expected to start operations in 2028. The factory will produce display driver chips to support India’s growing domestic demand for semiconductor components.According to PTI, the project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, nurture local supply chains and attract partners across the semiconductor ecosystem. The factory is designed to process up to 20,000 wafers per month, strengthening India’s resilient and self-reliant chip supply chain.“Over the past 11 years, the Prime Minister has transformed India into an electronics manufacturing powerhouse. India currently ranks third among exporters of electronic products. Within a month, the factory will produce 36 million chips. The brains for the digital screens you see will now be manufactured in Jewar. ” Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Jewar as “a treasure not only of UP but of the country”, adding that the state’s development would be in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for chip manufacturing.News agency PTI quoted Foxconn Semiconductor Business Group President Bob Chen as saying: “Today, we have made a breakthrough in the Indian chip field. We hope to establish reliable semiconductor assembly and testing facilities in India. We look forward to growing together and contributing to India’s development in the global technology field.”HCL Group Chairman Roshini Nadar stressed that the plant will serve domestic and international markets, making India a major player in the global semiconductor industry.
