Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has set 2028 as the target for India’s first semiconductor wafer from the country’s upcoming fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, outlining the government’s roadmap to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing and reduce dependence on overseas supply chains.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit on October 23, Vaishnaw said the Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication project in Dholera was progressing well. He said a nail on the wall behind his chair in his office had been deliberately left empty to hold a reminder of the country’s semiconductor ambitions.
The minister explained that the space was reserved for India’s first semiconductor wafer, which he hopes to display once it emerges from the manufacturing line.
Why India Is Starting With 28-Nanometre Chips
Addressing concerns that India could fall behind global competitors by initially manufacturing chips using older technology, Vaishnaw defended the decision to focus on 28-nanometre semiconductor manufacturing.
According to the minister, a substantial proportion of chips used in everyday products, including cars, refrigerators, mobile phones and industrial equipment, fall within the 28nm to 90nm range. He argued that establishing domestic capacity in this segment would help diversify global supply chains and reduce the risks associated with concentrated manufacturing.
Vaishnaw said India’s first fabrication plant would focus on the 28nm technology node, with a longer-term roadmap to move towards more advanced manufacturing processes.
He added that India aims to manufacture 5nm and 3nm chips by 2035, with the transition expected to progress through intermediate technology nodes.
Semiconductor Mission Expands
Vaishnaw said India’s semiconductor programme, launched in January 2022, had made progress in establishing manufacturing capacity. He stated that five semiconductor facilities had begun commercial production, with another expected to be inaugurated soon.
The minister said India-made semiconductor products were already being exported to markets including Japan, the United States and Europe.
The government’s next phase, Semicon 2.0, will place greater emphasis on developing the wider semiconductor ecosystem, including chip design, specialised materials, manufacturing equipment, research and development, and skilled talent.
Vaishnaw said India aims to attract at least three semiconductor equipment manufacturers to establish manufacturing and design operations in the country. The government also intends to bring five manufacturers of high-purity chemicals and gases to India, which are essential inputs for semiconductor production.
He outlined an ambition to support 200 deep-tech startups under the next phase, compared with around 20 startups that received venture capital funding during the initial phase, according to his remarks.
India’s Semiconductor Design Ambitions
The minister also highlighted India’s existing strength in semiconductor design, pointing to the country’s large pool of engineering talent and the participation of more than 300 universities in building the talent pipeline.
He said the government wanted Semicon 2.0 to make India a global hub for semiconductor design while encouraging domestic companies to develop intellectual property and supply components to international manufacturers.
The strategy is intended to go beyond establishing fabrication plants and create a broader industrial base involving equipment suppliers, materials producers, startups and research institutions.
A Long-Term Push for Domestic Manufacturing
India has made semiconductor manufacturing a strategic priority as countries seek more resilient supply chains for critical technologies. However, building a competitive chip industry requires substantial investment, specialised infrastructure, technical expertise and reliable access to materials and equipment.
Vaishnaw’s 2028 target marks an important milestone in the government’s semiconductor roadmap. The next challenge will be translating announced investments and planned facilities into sustained manufacturing output while gradually advancing towards more sophisticated chip technologies.
The minister’s longer-term vision is to establish India as a significant player in global semiconductor manufacturing and design, strengthening the country’s position in the electronics industry over the coming decade.