Strategic Push to Reduce Dependence on Imported Chip Materials, Ashwini Vaishnav Says

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at cutting India's reliance on imported semiconductor materials. He explained that while technology remains a global value chain, certain segments—such as high‑purity chemicals, specialty gases, and substrate wafers—must be sourced domestically to ensure resilience.

"When we talk about technological sovereignty, we must view it through a mature and complex lens," Vaishnav said. "We are focusing on strengthening strategic dependencies and building flexibility across the value chain."

He illustrated the challenge with legacy nodes ranging from 28 to 90 nanometres, where a single million‑dollar machine can be stalled by the cost of a one‑dollar chip. By establishing reliable domestic production for these inputs, India aims to become a trustworthy partner in the global ecosystem.

The minister emphasized that the semiconductor mission now includes material production, moving beyond assembly lines to encompass modules, components, and capital equipment, thereby creating a self‑sustaining industrial base.