Read the full transcript of PM Modi’s speech (translated version) at ‘Semicon India – 2025’ at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on September 2, 2025.
Opening Remarks and International Perspective
PM MODI: My esteemed colleagues in the central cabinet, Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta ji, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi ji, Union Minister Jitin Prasada ji, President of SEMI Ajit Manocha ji, CEOs from the semiconductor industry who have come from across the country and abroad, our guests present here from various countries, entrepreneurs associated with startups, my young student friends from different states, ladies and gentlemen.
I just returned last night from a trip to Japan and China. You must be applauding for my departure, and now you must be applauding for my return. Today, I am here in this hall filled with aspirations and confidence at Yashobhoomi, among all of you.
As you all know, I have a natural passion for technology. During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to visit the Tokyo Electron factory with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Their CEO was also sharing insights with us. Friends, my inclination towards technology brings me back to you time and again, and that is why I am very happy to be here with you today.
Global Participation and India’s Value Addition
We have experts in the semiconductor field from all over the world, representing more than 40-50 countries. The innovation and youth power of India are also evident here. The combination that has formed here sends a clear message: The world trusts India. The world believes in India. And the world is ready to build semiconductor future with India.
You may ask, what is the answer for India in technology? The value addition that is happening here is a significant step towards making India a global player.
I extend my warm greetings to all the distinguished guests who have come to Semicon India. You are all very important partners in the journey towards a developed India and a self-reliant India.
India’s Economic Performance
The truth is, just a few days ago, the GDP numbers for the first quarter of this year were released. India has performed better than every expectation and every estimate. While economists around the world are concerned and facing challenges born out of economic self-interest, India has shown a growth of 7.8%.
This growth is evident in every sector: manufacturing, services, agriculture, and construction. Enthusiasm is visible everywhere. India is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this is infusing new energy into all of us—within the industry and among every citizen. This is the direction of growth. It is now certain that India is rapidly moving towards becoming the third-largest economy.
The Semiconductor Revolution
Friends, in the world of semiconductors, there is a saying: “Oil is black gold, but digital diamonds are the future.” The last century was shaped by oil. The fate of the world was determined by oil wells. The global economy fluctuated based on how much petroleum was extracted from these wells.
However, the power of the 21st century is encapsulated in a tiny chip. Though this chip is small, it has the potential to bring about a significant revolution in global progress. That is why today, the global market for semiconductors is reaching $600 billion, and in the coming years, it will surpass $1 trillion. I am confident that as India progresses rapidly in the semiconductor sector, it will hold a significant share in this $1 trillion market.
India’s Semiconductor Journey
Friends, I also want to share what the spirit of India is. In 2021, we launched the Semicon India program. By 2023, India’s first semiconductor plant was approved. In 2024, we approved a few more plants, and by 2025, we cleared five additional projects.
In total, there are 10 semiconductor projects with an investment of $18 billion, which is approximately 1.5 lakh crore. This reflects the growing trust the world has in India.
Government’s Approach and Infrastructure
We know that speed matters in the semiconductor industry. The less time it takes from file to factory, the less paperwork there is, and the quicker the paperwork starts, the better. Our government is working with this approach.
We have implemented a National Single Window System, which brings together all central and state platforms. This has freed our investors from a lot of paperwork. We are establishing semiconductor parks based on a plug-and-play infrastructure model. These parks will provide land, power supply, ports, airports, and connectivity, along with a skilled worker pool.
When incentives are also linked to these, the growth of the industry is assured. Whether it is PLI incentives or design-linked grants, India is offering end-to-end capabilities. That is why investments are continuously coming in.
Current Progress and Achievements
India is moving from being a backend player to becoming a full-stack semiconductor nation. The day is not far when India’s smallest chip will drive the world’s biggest changes.
I have been informed that the pilot plant of CG Power started just four or five days ago, on August 28. The pilot plant of Kenja is also about to start. Test chips from Macron and Tata are already being produced. As I mentioned earlier, commercial chips will start rolling out this year. This shows how rapidly India is advancing in the semiconductor sector.
Building a Complete Ecosystem
The true story of semiconductors in India is not limited to one vertical or one technology. We are creating a complete ecosystem where designing, manufacturing, packaging, and high-tech devices are all available right here in India.
Our semiconductor mission is not limited to just one fab or one chip production. We are building a semiconductor ecosystem that is making India self-reliant and globally competitive.
Advanced Technology Focus
Friends, another unique aspect of India’s semiconductor mission is that India is advancing in a field with the world’s most advanced technologies. The emerging technologies will gain new power from chips made in India. This is our focus, and our design centers being established in Bengaluru are working on some of the most advanced technologies in the world.
These technologies will store billions of transistors, empowering the emerging technologies of the 21st century. Today, the semiconductor sector faces numerous challenges globally, and India is continuously witnessing towering achievements.
Critical Minerals Mission
We see magnificent physical infrastructure, the foundation of which is steel, while our digital infrastructure is based on critical minerals. Therefore, India is currently working on a National Critical Minerals Mission. We are striving to meet our demand for rare minerals domestically. In the last four years, we have made significant progress on critical minerals.
Supporting Startups and Youth
Friends, our government sees startups and MSMEs playing a crucial role in the growth of the semiconductor sector. Today, India contributes 20% of the world’s semiconductor design talent. The youth in India are the backbone of the semiconductor industry.
I urge my young entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups to step forward. The government is walking shoulder to shoulder with you. The design incentive scheme and the chip-to-startup program are specifically for you. The government is also going to revamp the design incentive scheme.
Our aim is to develop Indian entrepreneurship and intellectual property in every sector. The recently launched National Design Fund will also assist you in this regard.
State Participation and Competition
Many states are participating in this initiative. Numerous states have created special policies for the semiconductor sector, emphasizing their unique strengths. I urge all states in the country to engage in healthy competition with each other to develop a semiconductor ecosystem. Let’s enhance the investment climate in our respective states.
Future Vision and Commitment
Friends, India operates on the mantra of “Reform, Perform, and Transform.” We have reached this point, and in the coming times, we are set to initiate a new phase of next-generation reforms. We are also working on the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission.
I would like to tell all the investors present here that we are ready to welcome you with open arms. To put it in your language, the design is ready, and the mass alignment is in place. Now is the time for precision education and delivering at scale.
Our policy is not a short-term signal; it is a long-term commitment. We will meet every need you have. The day is not far when the whole world will say, “Designed in India, Made in India.”
Closing Remarks
May every effort of ours be successful, every byte be filled with innovation, and may our needs always be error-proof and high-performance. With this spirit, I wish you all the very best. Thank you.
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