- Narendra Modi inaugurates Micron’s ATMP facility, marking India’s decisive entry into semiconductor manufacturing
- “If oil shaped the last century, microchips will regulate this century,” PM declares, underscoring the AI-driven future
- Commercial production launch positions India as a critical pillar in the global semiconductor value chain
- Sanand emerges as India’s silicon frontier, catalysing ecosystem growth across design, manufacturing, logistics and skills
- “India is ready, India is reliable, India delivers”—a clarion call to global investors and technology partners
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 28
India’s technological transformation reached a defining inflection point as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology’s advanced Semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking the start of commercial production and signalling India’s emergence as a global semiconductor manufacturing force.
Calling the inauguration a historic milestone, the Prime Minister said, “The inauguration of Micron’s semiconductor facility marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technology leadership.”
He noted that India, long recognised as a global software powerhouse, is now decisively expanding into hardware manufacturing. “India, long known for its software strength, is now firmly establishing its identity in the hardware sector as well,” he emphasised, describing the Sanand facility as the beginning of a new industrial and technological future.
Highlighting India’s growing global relevance, Modi stated, “Today, India is rapidly becoming an integral part of the global semiconductor value chain.”
Microchips: The New Oil of the AI Century
Framing semiconductors as the cornerstone of the AI revolution, the Prime Minister declared, “This century belongs to the AI revolution.”
Drawing a powerful historical parallel, he added, “If oil was the regulator of the last century, microchips will be the regulator of this century.”
He described semiconductor technology as the bridge connecting the industrial era to the artificial intelligence era, enabling breakthroughs across sectors—from mobility and electronics to data infrastructure and national security.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s semiconductor push began during the Covid pandemic with the launch of the Semiconductor Mission, laying the groundwork for today’s manufacturing breakthroughs. The commissioning of the Micron facility, he noted, reflects how India’s early policy vision is now translating into tangible industrial capability.
From Policy to Production: India Accelerates Its Silicon Ambitions
Emphasising the speed and efficiency of India’s semiconductor rollout, Modi noted the rapid progression of the Sanand project—from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in June 2023, groundbreaking in September 2023, pilot installation in early 2024, to commercial production in February 2026.
“When the intent is clear and the dedication is toward the nation’s rapid development, policies become transparent and decisions gain momentum,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s commitment to building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem encompassing design engineers, equipment manufacturers, research institutions, logistics networks, and skilled workforce development.
“This ecosystem we are building is not limited to one region; it is Pan-India. New tech hubs for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ are being developed in every corner of the country,” he said.
India–US Tech Partnership and Semiconductor Ecosystem Expansion
The Micron facility reflects deepening strategic collaboration between India and the United States in semiconductor and AI technologies. Modi noted that partnerships between the world’s largest democracies are strengthening global supply chain resilience and enabling trusted technology manufacturing networks.
The facility will manufacture DRAM and NAND memory solutions critical for AI systems, mobile devices, and global data centres. It also houses one of the world’s largest ATMP cleanrooms and incorporates sustainability measures, including reduced water consumption.
Modi highlighted that under India’s semiconductor programme, multiple projects have already been approved, with new production facilities expected across states including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and Punjab—expanding India’s manufacturing footprint nationwide.
Sanand Emerges as India’s Silicon Gateway
Drawing parallels to Sanand’s rise as an automobile manufacturing hub, Modi expressed confidence that the Micron facility would anchor a thriving semiconductor cluster.
He noted that rising domestic demand, driven by millions of first-time digital device users, coupled with expanding electronics production and exports, presents unprecedented opportunities for investors and manufacturers.
Delivering a powerful closing message to the global investment community, the Prime Minister declared: “India has just one message for investors around the world, India is ready, India is Reliable, India Delivers.”
He reinforced India’s global commitment, adding: “The message has reached the world loud and clear: India is Capable, India is Competitive, India is Committed.”
