India Presents Its First Indigenous Chip to PM Modi
India has reached a historic milestone in the global technology race with the unveiling of its first fully indigenous 32-bit semiconductor processor, Vikram. The chip, developed by the Semiconductor Laboratory of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the inauguration of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi. Also present at the event were Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.
The processor, named after Indian space pioneer Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, has been designed to operate under extreme conditions, making it suitable for use in space launch vehicles and other critical applications. Its fabrication and packaging were carried out at the Semiconductor Hub in Mohali, Punjab, marking the first time such work has been completed entirely within India.
A Turning Point for India’s Semiconductor Mission
The launch of Vikram represents a pivotal moment for the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), which was initiated in 2021 with the goal of reducing reliance on imported chips and establishing India as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. In just three and a half years, the mission has begun to bear fruit, with multiple facilities under construction and the country’s first indigenous chip now a reality.
Union Minister Vaishnaw, while addressing the audience, highlighted the significance of the achievement. “We just presented the first ‘Made in India’ chip to the Prime Minister. This is a product of India’s vision, capability, and determination to stand tall in the global technology arena,” he said.
He further emphasized India’s position as a beacon of stability amid global policy turmoil, inviting global investors to partner with India in building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem.
Growth of Semiconductor Manufacturing in India
Alongside Vikram, test chips from four approved projects were also presented to Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the rapid expansion of the sector. The government has so far approved 10 semiconductor manufacturing projects with a combined investment exceeding ₹1.60 lakh crore across six states—Gujarat, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The CG-Semi facility in Sanand, Gujarat, is expected to roll out the first large-scale “Made in India” chip from its Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) pilot plant. This marks another critical step in strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
The government’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme has also sanctioned 23 chip design projects, supporting startups and innovators. Companies like Vervesemi Microelectronics are already developing advanced chips for sectors including defence, aerospace, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.
Strategic Importance of Semiconductors
Semiconductors form the backbone of modern technology, powering critical systems in healthcare, communication, transport, defence, and space exploration. With digitalization, artificial intelligence, and automation reshaping global industries, chips are not just a technological resource but also a cornerstone of economic security and strategic independence.
India’s move toward self-reliance in this sector comes at a time when global semiconductor supply chains are under immense strain. By indigenously developing Vikram, India has sent a strong signal that it is ready to emerge not just as a consumer of advanced technologies but as a creator and global supplier.
Looking Ahead
The unveiling of the Vikram processor is more than a technological breakthrough; it symbolizes India’s ambition to secure its place in the semiconductor landscape. With multiple units under construction, large-scale investments flowing in, and startups being nurtured through supportive policies, the foundation has been laid for India to become a semiconductor powerhouse in the coming decade.
As Prime Minister Modi noted during the event, India’s journey in this field has only just begun, but the speed of progress has already placed the country on the world map as a credible player in advanced semiconductor technology.
