­Semiconductors and digital technologies are key for energy transition

From startups to semiconductors, Prime Minister Modi highlights India’s digital leap and technological strides.
On the momentous occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. Among the various achievements celebrated during this journey of progress, the Prime Minister underscored the remarkable transformation of India’s technological landscape over the past decade, emphasising the nation’s stride towards becoming digitally empowered.

Technology for tomorrow: from space to semiconductors
Acknowledging the pivotal role of technology in shaping India’s future, the Prime Minister emphasised the broad spectrum of endeavors that the nation is spearheading. He cited examples including space missions, the Vande Bharat train project, electric buses, metro systems, village internet connectivity, and even semiconductor manufacturing. He stressed that the government’s approach is not just about laying foundations but also about inaugurating and realising grand projects that have the potential to transform the nation.

Semiconductor ecosystem: a path to self-reliance
In an epoch-defining move, the Indian government approved the Modified Program for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India. With a substantial budget of ₹76,000 crores, this initiative aims to bolster the semiconductor and display manufacturing industry within the country. Prime Minister Modi shared that global tech giants like Micron Technology Inc. and Applied Materials Inc. are stepping up their investments in India, catalysing the growth of this crucial sector.

Pioneering modernisation: a multi-faceted approach
The Prime Minister underscored India’s multifaceted march towards modernisation, encompassing sectors ranging from renewable energy to cutting-edge hydrogen technology. The nation’s prowess in space exploration is on the rise, paralleled by remarkable achievements in deep-sea missions. He noted that India’s journey towards progress encompasses enhanced internet penetration in rural areas and even the pioneering domain of quantum computing.

Encompassing not just industrial growth but also human capital development, India’s Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has collaborated with esteemed institutions like Purdue University in the United States to foster skilled workforce development and specialised research programs. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Program are nurturing talent at various levels through strategic collaborations, ensuring a steady supply of skilled individuals to drive the semiconductor industry forward.

Prime Minister’s address on India’s 77th Independence Day resonated with the nation’s achievements in technology, innovation, and inclusive growth. The vision of a digitally empowered India propelled by the confluence of youth potential, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships, stands as a testament to the country’s determination to stride confidently into the future. From fostering startups to advancing space missions and semiconductor manufacturing, India’s transformative journey is marked by ambition, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to progress.