On Monday, India and the US launched a new strategic semiconductor partnership to co-develop semiconductor design and manufacturing processes for precision-guided ammunition. This meeting was led by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi.
Semiconductors industry – a ground for geopolitical battles
Semiconductors play a vital role in defense, automobiles, and telecommunication sectors. This has led this industry to serve as one of the key geopolitical battlegrounds. The US, Japan, and China are investing heavily in developing domestic capabilities.
The Indian and US investments in the semiconductor industry aim to continue building India’s robust semiconductor and information communication technology ecosystem.
Also Read | G7 Summit: Modi And Kushida Discussed High Speed Rail Project
India’s fast-growing semiconductor industry
India, in March, approved three semiconductor plant proposals to bolster this manufacturing sector. An investment of Rs 1.26 trillion is expected to contribute significantly to India’s electronics manufacturing sector.
India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) in Dholera, Gujarat will be established by Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC). Morigaon, Assam will have its semiconductor unit set up by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT). Another semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, will be set up by CG Power, in partnership with Renesas Electronics Corp., Japan, and Stars Microelectronics, Thailand.
“Celebrating the conclusion of a joint Semiconductor Readiness Assessment through a partnership between the US Semiconductor Industry Association and the India Electronics Semiconductor Association, which identifies near-term industry opportunities and facilitates longer-term strategic development of complementary semiconductor ecosystems,” the factsheet added.
Also Read | Ajit Doval Reappointed As NSA For The Third Consecutive Term
The US-India strategic partnership
The critical minerals, essential for clean energy technologies and other industries, were also discussed in the US-India strategic partnership meeting.
“Promoting India’s vital role in the Mineral Security Partnership, including through co-investing in a lithium resource project in South America and a rare earth deposit in Africa, to responsibly and sustainably diversify critical mineral supply chains,” read the fact sheet.
About the Author
Ms Anuja Choudhary is a public policy enthusiast and Masters in Philosophy from LSR, DU. With a keen eye for authenticity, she is currently honing her craft as a writer to pen down the voices with utmost sincerity and integrity.
