PM Modi says 5-8 more semiconductor plants likely in next 7-8 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India is expected to see another five to eight semiconductor plants become operational over the next seven to eight years, as the country steps up efforts to build a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi said three major semiconductor plants have already started operations and that production from these facilities will also be exported.“In today’s digital world and the age of technology, we understand the importance of chips. Whether it is electronic goods, medical equipment or transportation systems, chips are indispensable to all of them. Without chips, the entire world could come to a standstill,” Modi said.He said India had therefore taken significant steps towards self-reliance in the semiconductor sector. The Prime Minister linked the push for domestic chip manufacturing to the broader goal of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and moving towards a Viksit Bharat.INDIA’S ECONOMIC MOMENTUM Modi also highlighted the changes in India’s manufacturing and industrial capacity over the past 12 years.He said defence production has increased nearly fourfold during this period, while production in the khadi and village industries sector has risen nearly fivefold. Electronic manufacturing has grown nearly sevenfold, modern railway coach production has increased 21-fold and mobile phone production has risen 33-fold. Modi said India had gained a “new pace” over the past 12 years and was moving forward rapidly. He recalled that India had become independent with many dreams but had struggled to accelerate its growth, remaining stuck in an attitude of “it will happen, let’s see”.According to Modi, by 2014, India had been placed among the world’s “Fragile Five”. He said the determination and strength of 1.4 billion Indians had since helped the country move forward at a faster pace.PUSH FOR ENERGY SECURITYEnergy security also featured prominently in Modi’s Independence Day address, with the Prime Minister outlining targets and developments across nuclear, solar and gas-based energy.He said India has set a target of 200 GW of nuclear energy and is setting up five new nuclear reactors. He also said the country had crossed an important milestone in fast breeder nuclear technology this year, which he described as a major step towards becoming self-reliant in nuclear fuel.Modi said piped gas is now reaching 1.75 crore households, while more than 50 lakh households are covered by solar energy.The Prime Minister said a country does not always stop because of a lack of resources, but can be held back by limitations in thinking. He stressed that when the country’s thinking expands, it can better recognise and use its own capabilities.FROM CHIPS TO NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGYThe semiconductor push and the focus on nuclear technology form part of a wider emphasis on reducing dependence on external sources and strengthening domestic capabilities.While semiconductors are increasingly critical for electronic goods, medical equipment and transportation systems, nuclear technology is being positioned as an important part of India’s long-term energy security.Modi said India’s progress in digital technology and innovation had already allowed it to make its mark globally. The expansion of domestic semiconductor manufacturing, he said, would further strengthen this journey towards self-reliance.He said the broader push across manufacturing, technology and energy was aimed at creating the foundations for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and ultimately a Viksit Bharat.- EndsPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 08:16 IST