Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the rapid expansion of India's semiconductor ecosystem and the opportunities emerging across chip design, manufacturing, equipment, materials, testing and advanced packaging.
Addressing the three-day event at Yashobhoomi, Modi presented India as a potential reliable base for global semiconductor companies as businesses seek to diversify supply chains. The event, being held from September 17 to 19, has brought together companies, investors, policymakers, researchers, startups and other stakeholders from across the semiconductor industry.
India Moves Into the Next Phase of Semiconductor Development
Modi said India's semiconductor journey is moving into a new phase, with the focus shifting beyond policy announcements and plant construction towards commercial production.
Under the first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, 12 projects were approved across different parts of the semiconductor value chain. Three of those projects have already started commercial production, according to government-linked reporting.
The Prime Minister also stressed that developing a semiconductor industry requires more than establishing individual factories. Chip design, manufacturing, equipment, materials, testing, research and skilled manpower need to develop together to create a complete ecosystem.
Semicon 2.0 Gets ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Push
The event comes shortly after the government's approval and notification of Semicon 2.0, which has a total budget outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore.
The programme is built around six broad pillars: chip design, semiconductor machines and materials, fabrication facilities, advanced ATMP/OSAT packaging, research and development, and talent development.
The government has also set an expanded target for chip-design companies. Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Semicon 2.0 aims to support at least 200 startups and companies involved in chip design in India.
Global Supply Chains Create New Opportunities
India's semiconductor push comes as companies worldwide reassess their supply chains amid geopolitical and technology-related disruptions.
SEMICON India 2026 is focused on the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem”, covering areas ranging from semiconductor manufacturing and AI to supply chains, advanced materials, product design, startups, talent and electronics systems.
The event has attracted hundreds of exhibitors and international companies, providing a platform for technology firms, investors and policymakers to discuss opportunities across the semiconductor value chain.
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Investment Interest Builds Around India's Chip Sector
Industry interest has also been visible in the investment space. Applied Materials announced plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next decade, with the investment expected to support research, supply-chain expansion and workforce development.
At the same time, India's semiconductor programme remains a long-term effort. The government is seeking to establish capabilities across the entire value chain rather than relying only on chip fabrication.
Conclusion
SEMICON India 2026 marks another stage in India's effort to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. With the ₹1.275 lakh crore Semicon 2.0 programme, expanding chip-design initiatives and growing international industry participation, the focus is increasingly moving toward manufacturing, technology development, skilled talent and integration with global supply chains.