Micron Technology’s recent announcement to invest USD 825 million in a new assembly and test facility in Gujarat marks India as the next big destination for semiconductor manufacturers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expresses that the current government has succeeded in attracting investments in emerging technology. The facility will address demand from domestic and international markets and is expected to begin phased construction in 2023.
It was announced shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra in the US, inviting him to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India. Micron chose Gujarat due to its manufacturing infrastructure, conducive business environment, and a firm talent pipeline in the SANAND Industrial Park.
Vaishnaw states that Congress attempted to bring the semiconductor industry to India since the 1980s but was not successful. Several foreign policies focusing on India were signed during PM Modi’s visit to the US and partnerships on 35 emerging technologies, including semiconductors, were signed.
Jet engine manufacturing by HAL is a significant milestone, and in a major announcement, GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. Semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership and collaboration in emerging artificial intelligence technology are among the key takeaways from Modi’s visit to the US and his bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden.
Vaishnaw expresses that India is now clearly focused on technology, joint development of technology, and India’s position in the global world order. The new facility in Gujarat is expected to be ready in record time, by late 2024.
This announcement marks a historic moment for India as it establishes itself as a force to reckon with in the semiconductor industry. Vaishnaw expresses that Congress’s frustration is that they tried three times but failed to bring the semiconductor industry to India.
