Semicon India 2024 is being held from September 11 to 13 under the theme “Shaping the Semiconductor Future.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the audience at Semicon India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the inauguration of the three-day event in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, emphasized that this is the ideal moment to invest in India. He highlighted the government’s commitment to stable policies and ease of doing business, while underscoring India’s integrated ecosystem for the semiconductor industry. “India will do whatever it takes to become a semiconductor powerhouse,” he declared, as he opened Semicon India 2024.
The event is showcasing India’s ambitious strategy and policy for semiconductors, aiming to position the country as a global hub for the sector. During his address, PM Modi remarked, “This is the right time to be in India. You are in the right place at the right time. In 21st-century India, the chips are never down. The world now believes that when the chips are down, you can bet on India.”
PM Modi also emphasized India’s role in “silicon diplomacy” and laid out a goal to grow the country’s electronics sector from its current $150 billion to $500 billion by the decade’s end. He announced that India is preparing a skilled workforce of 85,000 technicians, engineers, and R&D professionals, aiming to make students and professionals industry-ready. He added that a total investment of over ₹1.5 lakh crore has already been committed to semiconductor manufacturing, with many projects in the pipeline. “Our dream is to have Indian-made chips in every device in the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister further highlighted India’s unique advantage, citing a reform-driven government, an expanding manufacturing base, and a technology-centric market. Reflecting on the global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted, “Supply chain resilience is critical.”
Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed PM Modi’s vision, emphasizing the importance of democratizing access to technology. He pointed out that initiatives like the Digital India Mission and the Telecom Mission have made technology more accessible to the general public. Vaishnaw noted that, despite previous attempts to build a semiconductor industry in India over the past 60 years, it was under PM Modi’s leadership that this vision is finally being realized.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also present at the event, highlighted the state’s role in electronics manufacturing. He noted that 50% of all mobile phone components in India are produced in Uttar Pradesh, making the state a hub for consumer electronics. He also mentioned that Samsung India has set up its display manufacturing plant in Noida, contributing to the region’s growing importance in the industry.
Ajit Manocha, president of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, praised the vision of exponential growth in India’s semiconductor industry, which he said would benefit not only India but the world at large. “The semiconductor industry is foundational to every industry globally, and unprecedented challenges, opportunities, and actions are underway in India,” he said.
The event will see participation from over 250 exhibitors and 150 speakers, including industry leaders from around the world.
