India is making significant strides in the field of technology, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing the country’s ambition to see ‘Made in India’ semiconductor chips running devices globally. During his visit to New York, PM Modi addressed a large gathering of Indian Americans, highlighting India’s growing manufacturing capacity, particularly in the spheres of electronics and semiconductors. He emphasized that India wants more devices in the world to run on chips manufactured in India, stating that the day is not far when ‘Made in India’ chips will be seen in America as well. In June 2023, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal for setting up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, indicating the country’s commitment to advancing in this sector.
PM Modi mentioned that the government has approved five semiconductor units in India, with construction already underway in two sites and work expected to start soon in the other three. These units have made a cumulative investment of almost Rs 1.5 lakh crore, demonstrating the significant progress that India is making in becoming a hub for semiconductor manufacturing. PM Modi also spoke about India’s innovations in digital public infrastructure, highlighting how the country is creating new systems and leading in this field. He apprised the community that India’s 5G market has surpassed America’s in just two years and the country is now working on ‘Made in India’ 6G, showcasing their commitment to promoting and developing the technology sector.
Another significant aspect of PM Modi’s address was India’s commitment to climate mitigation, despite being a low emitter of carbon. He mentioned how India has shifted towards a green energy transition program, despite having a large population, with only a small fraction of global carbon emissions. At COP26 in 2021, India committed to an ambitious five-part “Panchamrit” pledge, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. Additionally, India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 percent and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, showcasing the country’s dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation.
PM Modi also highlighted India’s progress in mobile manufacturing, transitioning from an importer to an exporter and becoming a key player in the global market. He emphasized the importance of policies that promote the sector and the development of ‘Made in India’ technology. In his interactions with leading US-based companies, PM Modi discussed fostering greater collaborations in cutting-edge areas such as AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology, showcasing India’s readiness to engage in partnerships for mutual growth and advancement in the technological landscape. India’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement is positioning the country as a significant player in the global technology sector, with a vision to lead in various high-tech areas in the future.