Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi  today inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi. Addressing the occasion and highlighting the significance of the event's fifth edition, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to all participants. He expressed particular gratitude to the international attendees who had traveled to India to partake in the summit. "I extend a special welcome to the guests who have come to India from abroad," remarked Shri Modi. 

Drawing a powerful parallel between the launch of Semicon India and Vishwakarma Diwas, the Prime Minister honored the nation's centuries-old heritage of construction and creation. He pointed out the beautiful coincidence of merging traditional creative power with 21st-century technology and vision. "This is our inspiration for a self-reliant India, a Viksit Bharat,” asserted Shri Modi.

Emphasizing the nation's rapid progress over the past 15 days, the Prime Minister listed major milestones, including discussions on inclusive finance at the Global Fintech Fest, the operationalization of a 3,000-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor, and a robust 7.8 percent quarterly GDP growth. He also highlighted the recent sovereign rating upgrade by a Japanese Credit Rating Agency as a testament to the nation's soaring economic credibility. "Meaning, on one hand, India's economy is growing, and on the other hand, the world's trust in India is also increasing,” observed Shri Modi.

Recalling the diplomatic triumph of the recently concluded BRICS Summit hosted by India, the Prime Minister pointed to the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration as a reflection of international consensus. He underscored that this historic diplomatic achievement validates the global community's unwavering faith in the nation. "This is another major proof of the world's trust in India,” noted Shri Modi.

Tracing the evolutionary journey of Semicon India since its inception in 2022, the Prime Minister mapped the progression from initial policy discussions to project planning, pilot lines, and finally, the commencement of commercial production. He celebrated the realization of these efforts with chips now reaching global customers, alongside the launch of commercial production in two new plants in Mohali and Surat. "Now our chips, coming out of India's plants, have started reaching customers in the country and the world,” noted Shri Modi.

Acknowledging the immense complexity of building a semiconductor ecosystem, the Prime Minister praised the collaborative effort required to master chip design, equipment manufacturing, and testing capabilities in record time. He credited the present industry leaders as foundational pillars whose partnership made this rapid technological leap possible. "You are the pillars of this success of India, you are partners,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Outlining the relentless momentum of the sector, the Prime Minister explained the concept of 'tape out' and how the government continuously pushes for the next technological version without pause. He announced the massive 13.5 billion dollar second phase of the Semiconductor Mission and highlighted new regulatory reforms that facilitate collaborations between international companies, startups, and design firms. "The Government of India is taking every step needed for the success of your projects,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Detailing the vision for a robust domestic supply chain, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of nurturing fabless companies, creating intellectual property, and integrating silicon photonics for AI-enabling infrastructure. He urged leaders in equipment, chemicals, gases, and materials to capitalize on the golden opportunities presented by the twelve approved projects and an expanding demand pipeline. "We want the entire ecosystem to grow together,” asserted Shri Modi.

Highlighting the strategic advantage of India's demographic dividend, the Prime Minister spoke of the vast pool of engineering talent and the extensive skilling initiatives specifically tailored for chip designing. He proudly mentioned receiving custom-designed chips from students and reiterated the government's ambitious target to train one lakh engineering students, with 70,000 already trained. "Such a large talent pool is, in a way, nothing less than a gold mine for all of you,” remarked Shri Modi.

Calling upon the brilliant minds engaged in domestic and international research, the Prime Minister urged young talents to actively participate in developing advanced technologies within the country. He challenged industry leaders to spearhead local research and development, ensuring mutual growth for both businesses and the nation's youth. "There is benefit for the industry in this, and the youth power of India will also get strength from this,” asserted Shri Modi.

Addressing the evolving complexities of the semiconductor market, the Prime Minister discussed how the explosive demand for Artificial Intelligence is shifting the focus from mere transistor size to holistic system integration, including memory placement and heat management. He positioned the nation as a reliable and continuously prepared destination to meet these new global manufacturing challenges. "India is constantly preparing itself for this,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Tackling the critical issue of energy security for high-performance computing, the Prime Minister outlined the massive power requirements generated by AI data centers and the necessity of uninterrupted electricity for manufacturing plants. He detailed the nation's aggressive expansion in the power sector, including a leap to over 160 GW in solar capacity, the opening of nuclear energy to private players, and the development of small modular reactors. "Therefore, India today is making huge investments in the power sector as well,” noted Shri Modi.

Connecting the rapid expansion of power infrastructure to industrial readiness, the Prime Minister declared that this energy security acts as a fundamental strength for the semiconductor ecosystem. He reassured stakeholders that the administration is deeply committed to optimizing conditions for industrial growth. "India is taking every step that makes us a preferred destination for the semiconductor industry,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Concluding his address by contextualizing the nation's technological strides within its democratic ethos, the Prime Minister reminded the audience of the 75-year legacy of the Indian Constitution. He expressed that a successful critical industry in the 'Mother of Democracy' intrinsically fortifies the entire global supply chain, extending a warm invitation to explore the boundless opportunities ahead. "India's aspirations are before you, and the new opportunities being created in India are ready to welcome you,” affirmed Shri Modi.'

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MJPS/SS/PRK