India has outlined an ambitious vision to emerge as a globally competitive and technologically self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse by 2047, placing particular emphasis on next-generation chip technologies, indigenous research, advanced processor design and the creation of a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

The long-term strategy reflects the growing recognition that semiconductors have become foundational to economic growth, technological sovereignty, national security, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

According to the Defence Ministry, India’s semiconductor ambitions extend beyond merely increasing production capacity. The objective is to establish leadership in selected advanced chip technologies while generating high-value employment, accelerating innovation and creating long-term industrial and societal benefits.

The announcement followed the participation of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 27 to 29.

The three-day conclave was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and organised jointly by 12 ministries and government departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Held under the theme, ‘Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society’, the event brought together scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, Nobel laureates, technology experts and emerging innovators to examine developments across advanced science and technology domains.

Among the key themes discussed, semiconductors and next-generation chip technologies emerged as strategic priorities for India's future technological advancement.

DRDO, one of the principal organisers of the conclave, conducted a dedicated thematic session titled ‘Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips’, chaired by B K Das, Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems.

The session brought together representatives from academia, indigenous chip-design firms, industry stakeholders and the defence electronics community to assess opportunities in semiconductor research, development and commercialisation.

Discussions focused on purpose-built artificial intelligence system-on-chips, intelligence at the silicon edge and the rapidly evolving global microprocessor landscape.

Participants explored the growing need for specialised processors designed for specific computational workloads, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded across industrial systems, communications networks and defence platforms.

The ministry stated that the session highlighted DRDO’s expanding role in supporting industries and Start-Ups involved in advanced semiconductor development.

Through collaboration with research institutions, private enterprises and emerging technology companies, the organisation aims to accelerate indigenous chip design capabilities and foster innovative solutions for future requirements.

The renewed focus on semiconductors reflects worldwide recognition that advanced chips underpin virtually every modern technological system. From smartphones, computers and telecommunications networks to automobiles, medical equipment, satellites and sophisticated military platforms, semiconductor components sit at the heart of modern economies.

The strategic importance of semiconductors has increased further with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, high-speed communications and data-intensive digital services. Global supply-chain disruptions during recent years have also highlighted the geopolitical significance of semiconductor manufacturing, prompting countries across the world to invest heavily in domestic capabilities and reduce dependencies on external suppliers.

The Defence Ministry emphasised that semiconductors are critical for strengthening economic resilience, national sovereignty and digital security. Their applications extend across advanced sensors, communications equipment, computing systems and a wide range of defence technologies.

For India, greater self-sufficiency in semiconductor technologies could reduce reliance on foreign supply chains while supporting broader manufacturing, innovation and strategic objectives. However, officials stressed that achieving semiconductor leadership requires far more than building fabrication plants alone.

The ministry underscored the necessity of developing expertise across the entire semiconductor value chain, including chip architecture, design, fabrication, testing, packaging, large-scale manufacturing and resilient supply-chain management.

Each stage demands specialised infrastructure, highly skilled talent, advanced equipment, sustained research investment and close collaboration between scientific institutions and industry.

Chip design involves developing processor architectures and integrated circuits that determine system performance, while fabrication requires highly sophisticated facilities capable of manufacturing increasingly complex semiconductor devices.

Testing and validation are equally important to ensure that chips meet stringent standards for performance, reliability and safety. Building competitive capabilities across all these areas simultaneously remains one of the sector’s most significant technological and industrial challenges.

The government also sees research organisations and Start-Ups playing a pivotal role in developing specialised semiconductor technologies rather than focusing solely on mass-market manufacturing.

DRDO’s participation in the conclave highlighted how defence research can contribute to strengthening India's broader technology ecosystem.

The organisation showcased a range of indigenous technologies developed across its laboratories.

Exhibits included advanced communication systems, quantum technology demonstrators, high-power pulse laser diodes and scramjet propulsion technologies. Other displays featured extreme cold-weather clothing, the PRABALA female full-body protector, passive and powered exoskeleton systems and portable hybrid energy management technologies.

Collectively, these exhibits reflected the breadth of research activities underway within India's defence scientific establishment, spanning electronics, aerospace, advanced materials, energy systems and communications technologies.

The ministry noted that such initiatives contribute to strengthening the country's technological foundation while supporting the development of indigenous solutions in strategically important sectors. Semiconductors hold particular significance for defence applications because modern military systems increasingly rely on sophisticated electronic components.

Advanced radar systems, surveillance platforms, navigation equipment, secure communications networks and precision-guided technologies all depend upon dependable semiconductor devices. Reliable access to advanced chips can therefore enhance operational effectiveness while reducing vulnerabilities associated with disruptions in international supply chains.

Artificial intelligence represents another area where specialised semiconductor development could provide substantial advantages. AI workloads require highly efficient processors capable of performing complex calculations and handling large volumes of data at high speed. Purpose-built AI system-on-chips are designed to execute specific workloads more efficiently, potentially delivering improved performance while reducing energy consumption.

Similarly, intelligence at the silicon edge enables data processing closer to the source device rather than relying entirely on distant computing infrastructure. Such capabilities are particularly valuable in autonomous platforms, industrial automation, communications equipment and defence systems where low latency, reliability and efficient data handling are essential.

The ministry’s emphasis on these technologies indicates that India’s ambitions extend beyond conventional semiconductor production towards leadership in emerging computing architectures and specialised processing technologies.

The 2047 goal aligns with the broader national vision of transforming India into a technologically advanced developed nation by the centenary of independence. Achieving that objective will require sustained public and private investment, extensive research partnerships, industrial participation and the development of a highly skilled semiconductor workforce.

Universities, technical institutions, research laboratories and industry stakeholders are expected to play central roles in creating expertise across semiconductor design, manufacturing, testing and advanced research. The government has identified indigenous innovation as a key pillar of this strategy, with DRDO expected to continue supporting industries and Start-Ups engaged in advanced technology development.

As demand for artificial intelligence, advanced computing, autonomous systems and next-generation digital infrastructure continues to accelerate globally, the country's success in building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem could become one of the most important determinants of its technological competitiveness in the decades ahead.

Agencies