India opens first semiconductor assembly plant 

India has inaugurated its first semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging facility, marking a step in its effort to expand domestic chip manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened the Micron Technology Inc plant in Gujarat. The unit will process advanced semiconductor wafers from Micron’s global network into finished memory and storage products.

India’s semiconductor market has grown from $38 billion in 2023 to an estimated $45–50 billion in 2024–25. The government has set a target of reaching $110 billion by 2030.

Officials said New Delhi is currently developing 10 semiconductor projects valued at more than $18 billion. These include two 3-nanometer chip design facilities planned in Noida and Bengaluru. Modi stated that at least three additional semiconductor projects are expected to begin production soon.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said India, long associated with software services, is expanding into hardware manufacturing. He also linked the development to closer technological cooperation with the United States.

Modi referred to India’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica alliance, which focuses on artificial intelligence, critical minerals and supply-chain security. The alliance aims to strengthen supply chains in areas where China currently holds significant influence.