In a major step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Jewar, Noida. This project, which falls under India’s broader semiconductor mission, will be implemented as a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn. The plant will be set up near the Jewar airport, with an investment of approximately ₹3,700 crore.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a press conference, detailed the decisions taken by the Cabinet and emphasized the strategic importance of the semiconductor sector. He highlighted that this marks the sixth approved project under the national semiconductor mission and reflects the government’s consistent push towards self-reliance in advanced technologies.
One of the key highlights shared by the minister was the transformation in how students are now being trained to contribute to the industry. Instead of limiting their learning to textbooks, students are gaining hands-on experience with real industrial tools, software, IP cores, and libraries. This practical exposure is increasing their readiness for the industry, allowing some of their chip designs to now be manufactured domestically.
This development is a significant leap in mindset, showcasing India’s progress from being a consumer to becoming a producer in high-tech industries. Vaishnaw emphasized the integrated approach being taken sector by sector, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of connecting academia and industry through the New Education Policy.
This vision is already visible in other sectors. For instance, 5G labs have been launched in 100 universities, and numerous incubators and centers of excellence are being established across higher education institutions. These initiatives aim to empower universities to play an active role in the innovation ecosystem.
Another notable aspect is the emergence of a complete ecosystem around semiconductor manufacturing. Not only are semiconductor plants being set up, but associated industries such as chemical and gas manufacturing are also establishing facilities within India. For example, around the Micron plant location, five additional factories have been launched to support its operations.
Furthermore, major global semiconductor equipment manufacturers like Applied Materials and Lam Research have started operations in India. Together, these two companies account for nearly 50-60% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment globally. Their decision to establish a major base in India is seen as a significant endorsement of India’s growing capabilities in this field.
These collective efforts, as per Vaishnaw, represent a satisfying and strategic advancement for India, leveraging science and technology for national strength. Citing the example of Operation Sindoor, he underlined how technological advancements have empowered the country across various domains.
In total, projects worth ₹12.25 lakh crore have been announced during Prime Minister Modi’s historic third term, with the semiconductor mission playing a pivotal role in this development journey.
