India Moves Closer to Making Its Own Chips
Pilot production begins, with full manufacturing expected soon
India has made a notable advance in developing a domestic semiconductor manufacturing sector, with pilot production now underway at several approved facilities and full-scale commercial output expected in the near future. Government officials highlighted that lithography — the process of transferring circuit patterns onto silicon wafers — remains one of the most technically demanding stages of chip production.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that pilot operations have commenced at multiple plants, with one facility expected to move into commercial production as early as next month. He described the development as a key milestone in India’s long-standing efforts to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem.
Speaking from the Netherlands, Vaishnaw emphasised the strategic importance of advanced lithography equipment supplied by global manufacturers, noting that access to such technology would strengthen India’s production capabilities. He also pointed to the country’s strengths in chip design, availability of skilled talent and consistent policy support as factors encouraging international semiconductor equipment companies to establish operations in India.
The transition from pilot to commercial manufacturing was described as a significant achievement following decades of groundwork in the sector. The minister added that, with a well-developed electronics ecosystem now taking shape, India could see the emergence of home-grown mobile phone brands within the next 12 to 18 months.
