Aatmanirbhar: From chip-taker to chip-maker

On October 11, a closed-door conference organized by 3rditech and Carnegie India
dissected the symbiosis between India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense and its
recently disclosed semiconductor policies. Under the adept moderation of Vinayak Dalmia,
the closed-door session unfolded in two segments, scrutinizing the role of semiconductor
technology in military applications and advocating for international investment in India’s
semiconductor sector.
Segment 1: Semiconductors as Defense Catalysts:
The discourse kicked off with a spotlight on the indispensable role of semiconductors in
orchestrating combat precision, operational efficiency, and deterrence in the contemporary
warfare landscape. With a discerning eye on the evolving global supply chains, participants
examined the urgency for India to swiftly establish a resilient semiconductor ecosystem.
Delving into the intricacies of current military procurement processes, the conversation
addressed potential roadblocks to reform and posited strategic steps to fortify India’s
semiconductor domain.
Segment 2: Global Ventures and Collaborations The subsequent session welcomed a
delegation from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in the United States,
amplifying the discourse to encompass the broader objective of enticing investments from
global semiconductor giants. The dialogue pivoted on the imperative for systemic
improvements in India’s policy framework, underscoring the demand for enhanced
business facilitation, calibrated trade policies, and upgraded infrastructural capabilities.
The discourse underscored the pivotal role of restructured supply chains and identified
collaborative pathways with U.S. enterprises keen on establishing semiconductor
manufacturing hubs in India.
In essence, the confidential deliberation provided fresh perspectives on the intersection of
India’s defense self-sufficiency aspirations and semiconductor policies, underscoring the
imperative for synchronized strategies and collaborative endeavors to fortify India’s
standing in the dynamically evolving global semiconductor arena.