PM Modi Calls on Young Engineers to Drive India’s Next Semiconductor Push

PM Modi Calls on Young Engineers to Drive India’s Next Semiconductor Push

India’s semiconductor ambitions are entering a new phase, with the country increasingly focusing not only on setting up chip manufacturing facilities but also on building the talent, research capabilities and supporting industries needed to sustain a complete technology ecosystem.

Addressing the SEMICON India 2026 event in New Delhi on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on young engineers, researchers and technology professionals to take a more active role in developing advanced technologies in India. He highlighted the country’s large engineering workforce as an important strength at a time when semiconductor companies are looking to expand manufacturing and diversify global supply chains.

The Prime Minister said the government is working towards training one lakh engineering students in semiconductor-related skills, with more than 70,000 already trained. He also encouraged Indian researchers and technology professionals working both within the country and abroad to contribute to the development of advanced technologies.

The emphasis on skilled manpower comes at a time when semiconductor manufacturing is becoming increasingly important for sectors ranging from smartphones and automobiles to telecommunications, artificial intelligence, electronics and defence technologies. For India, developing a strong talent base is therefore closely linked with the ability to attract investment and build higher-value capabilities.

From Policy Plans to Commercial Production

India’s semiconductor programme has gradually moved beyond policy announcements and project proposals towards actual manufacturing activity. During SEMICON India 2026, commercial production at two semiconductor facilities in Mohali and Surat was highlighted as part of this transition.

The development signals a broader shift in the country’s approach to electronics manufacturing. Instead of concentrating only on chip fabrication, India is seeking to develop capabilities across design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, equipment, materials and other specialised areas.

A stronger domestic ecosystem could also help companies reduce their dependence on long and concentrated global supply chains while creating opportunities for Indian businesses to participate in different stages of semiconductor production.

Building More Than Chip Factories

The semiconductor industry requires a wide network of supporting businesses. Chip manufacturing depends on specialised equipment, chemicals, gases, materials, testing systems and advanced packaging technologies.

Recognising this, the Prime Minister urged companies operating in these areas to explore the opportunities emerging from India’s semiconductor programme. Growth in supporting industries could create additional investment opportunities and allow domestic suppliers to become part of the wider global chip value chain.

The government has also been pushing for greater participation by startups and design companies. The focus on fabless semiconductor companies is particularly significant because chip design and intellectual property can generate high-value technology businesses without requiring companies to own fabrication plants.

Talent and Research Become Critical

India’s large pool of engineers is emerging as an important component of its semiconductor strategy. However, the industry requires specialised expertise in areas such as chip architecture, semiconductor design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, artificial intelligence hardware and related technologies.

The call for greater industry participation in research and development reflects the need to connect academic institutions, startups and established technology companies more closely.

Such collaboration can help turn research into commercial products while giving young engineers practical exposure to advanced technologies. It can also create opportunities for Indian companies to develop intellectual property that can compete in international markets.

New Technologies Could Expand the Opportunity

The next stage of semiconductor development is expected to extend beyond conventional chips. Technologies such as silicon photonics and compound semiconductors are gaining importance as demand grows for faster computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-performance data systems.

Silicon photonics, in particular, can support high-speed data movement and has potential applications in AI-focused infrastructure and advanced computing systems.

Building expertise in these emerging areas could help India participate in newer segments of the semiconductor industry rather than limiting its role to conventional manufacturing and assembly.

Global Supply Chains Create a Larger Opportunity

The global semiconductor industry has been undergoing significant changes as companies and governments seek more resilient and diversified supply chains. India is attempting to position itself as one of the locations capable of supporting this transition.

At SEMICON India 2026, the government highlighted the importance of building a reliable ecosystem that connects international companies with Indian manufacturers, startups, researchers and suppliers.

For global companies, the availability of engineering talent, a large domestic electronics market and growing policy support could make India an increasingly relevant location for technology investment. For Indian businesses, the expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem could open opportunities in manufacturing, design, logistics, materials, equipment and specialised services.

Semiconductor Growth Could Support Wider Industry

The impact of semiconductor investment is likely to extend beyond chip factories themselves. A stronger electronics ecosystem can support demand for suppliers, technical services, industrial infrastructure, logistics and skilled manpower.

It could also encourage more companies to invest in research and product development in India. Over time, this may help strengthen links between semiconductor manufacturing and industries such as automobiles, consumer electronics, telecommunications, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

For young engineers, the expansion of the sector could create opportunities across chip design, research, manufacturing, testing and other specialised technology functions.

India’s Semiconductor Story Moves Forward

SEMICON India 2026 reflects the changing nature of India’s semiconductor ambitions. The focus is gradually moving from attracting individual projects to developing a connected ecosystem in which talent, research, manufacturing, design and supporting industries grow together.

The Prime Minister’s message placed young technical talent at the heart of that effort, while also calling on industry to invest more deeply in research and development.

As semiconductor demand continues to grow globally, India’s ability to build specialised skills, develop intellectual property and establish reliable manufacturing and supply networks will be central to determining how deeply Indian companies can participate in the global chip economy.