India has launched a new semiconductor industry, with a particular emphasis on lithography, the intricate process of printing circuits on wafers, as stated by the government. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that ASML, a Dutch multinational corporation, leads in providing lithographic tools globally and plays a crucial role in the production of most chips worldwide.
Vaishnaw visited ASML’s headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands, expressing that the upcoming fab in Dholera will utilize ASML equipment, marking a significant step. He mentioned that the interest of various international equipment manufacturers in establishing operations in India stems from the nation’s design capabilities, abundant talent pool, and the consistent policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister disclosed that pilot production of semiconductors has commenced in approved facilities, with full-scale commercial production expected to kick off soon. He affirmed the government’s strategic approach to nurturing a robust semiconductor ecosystem and enhancing India’s capabilities in this pivotal sector, underscoring the imminent start of commercial production at one of the four semiconductor plants.
Vaishnaw highlighted the forthcoming emergence of indigenous mobile phone brands in India, leveraging the country’s well-established electronics ecosystem. He projected the launch of domestic mobile phone brands within the next 12 to 18 months, signaling a significant step towards self-reliance and technological advancement in the mobile industry.
