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Tag: Ashwini Vaishnaw

  • India’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Attracts 249 Applications, Signalling Strong Industry Demand

    On October 2, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced that more incentive applications had been submitted to the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) than the Union Cabinet had set as a goal.

    While the aim is just INR 59,350 crore, the IT Ministry has received applications with investment guarantees of INR 1,15,351 crore as of September 30, the deadline for applying for incentives for the majority of items under the ECMS’s purview.

    ECM was Launched to Boost Semiconductor Fabrication in India

    With an INR 22,919 crore investment, the ECMS was introduced in April as an addition to the India Semiconductor Mission. Qualified candidates would get incentive payouts connected to both employment and output.

     The programme was introduced to broaden the value chain of electronics manufacturing in India by promoting the expansion of components other than semiconductor fabrication and completed goods in the country.

    IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed reporters that during the scheme’s six-year duration, we have received output estimates of more than INR 10,34,000 crore, against a production target of INR 4,56,500 crore. We have set a target of 91,600 people for employment; however, the anticipated number of employees is 1.5 times higher, at 141,000 people.

    What will be the Government’s Next Step Now?

    IT Secretary S. Krishnan added that the government will distribute funds in a “first come, first served” manner, with incentive payouts going to approved companies that can grow their businesses and get products onto the market more quickly. The delay is due to the interest in the scheme, which has received 249 applications in total for manufacturing everything from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to so-called “sub-assemblies” in electronic goods.

    For these candidates, scrutiny has begun, and the Ministry will expedite the approval procedure. Vaishnaw stated that some companies had applied for incentives for producing many types of components, which he said the government encouraged, but he declined to name any specific companies that have applied for incentives under this system (or their countries of origin). With 87 applications and 43 applications, respectively, “multi-layer PCBs” and “electro-mechanicals” attracted the most interest. According to the Ministry, “one unnamed company committed around INR 22,000 crore.”

    In reference to the forthcoming second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, which the government stated is being formulated with an “attractive response from industry”, Vaishnaw stated, “We’re planning to encourage materials also.” In recent months, the government has attempted to broaden the scope of its SOPs to include other value chain segments, such as capital support, semiconductor packaging facilities, and phone assembly units, in the electronics manufacturing industry.

     Due to the time it takes for this specific sector of the business to establish itself, the government is extending the application period for capital goods, or the heavy machinery needed in manufacturing facilities, until April 2027, even though it has finished for almost all other products.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Against a target of INR 59,350 crore,
    total investment proposals reached INR 1,15,351 crore.

    •Scheme launched in April 2025 with a
    budget of INR 22,919 crore to boost domestic component manufacturing.

    •Expected output during the scheme’s
    6-year duration: INR 10.34 lakh crore vs. original target of INR 4.56 lakh
    crore.

    •Employment projection: 1.41 lakh
    jobs, exceeding the target of 91,600 jobs.

  • IndiaAI to Procure 3,800+ GPUs in Third Tender to Boost AI Infrastructure

    In the third round, the IndiaAI Mission plans to add over 3,850 graphics processing units (GPUs) to increase its GPU capabilities. Abhishek Singh, the chief executive of the IndiaAI Mission, was quoted in an ET report as saying that IndiaAI possesses 1,050 Google Trillium tensor processing units (TPUs).

    From training to inferring large-scale models, Google’s sixth-generation TPUs, known as Trillium, are specially designed processors designed to enhance AI and ML workloads.

    Expressing his views on the developments, Deepak Gupta, Co-Founder, Style Lounge said, “India’s move to procure 3,800 GPUs in its third AI tender is not just about hardware—it’s about unlocking possibilities. For years, many Indian startups, researchers, and innovators have had the ideas, the talent, and the drive, but lacked the computing muscle to bring those visions alive. This step feels like a big green signal for innovation. GPUs are the fuel that power everything—from training large AI models to building practical solutions in healthcare, education, beauty-tech, recruitment, and even agriculture.”

    “With this kind of infrastructure, India is giving its innovators a fair chance to not just catch up, but actually lead with unique, world-first AI solutions. As someone working at the intersection of AI and industry, I see this as more than an investment—it’s a message that India is ready to dream bigger. Ready to create AI that is not just for India, but from India, for the world. Truly excited to see how this boost in compute capacity can transform ideas into breakthroughs and put India firmly on the global AI map,” he added further.

    Breakdown of GPU Suppliers and Contributions

    Google Cloud offers these customised processors for purchase. Additional GPUs supplied by already-embellished bidders include 1,300 NVIDIA H100 GPUs from Locuz, 50 Google Trillium TPUs from Ishan Infotech, and 2,500 GPUs from Sify (1,000 Google Trillium TPUs, 800 NVIDIA H200 GPUs, and 700 NVIDIA L4 GPUs), according to Singh, who was quoted in the story. Vensysco has reduced costs, but they haven’t supplied any more GPUs.

    Revisions in L1 Pricing and Financial Evaluation

    The ET report also stated that the third round’s financial bid evaluation was finished, with minor adjustments made to the L1 (lowest bidder) prices. It is anticipated that the empanelled bidders from the GPU tender’s first and second rounds will match these updated prices.

    India’s AI GPU Pool Crosses 34,000 Units

    The 34,333 GPUs in the current pool will be joined by these extra 3,850 GPUs from the third round. More than 17,300 GPUs have been installed in India as of June of this year under the IndiaAI Mission. Jio Platforms and CtrlS Datacenters have not yet started the deployment process, but providers like Yotta Data Services from the Hiranandani Group, E2E Networks, and NxtGen Cloud Technologies are making progress.

    Upcoming GPU Procurement Plans Under IndiaAI Mission

    At the CII Business Summit 2025 more than two months ago, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, declared that the government would buy an extra 14,000 GPUs as part of the IndiaAI objective. The minister went on to highlight the increase in processing power, stating that the nation has surpassed the 34,000-GPU milestone after adding 15,916 GPUs to the 18,417 already-installed GPUs; however, these new units are not yet operational.

    In the second round, the MeitY shortlisted seven businesses: Ishan Infotech, Yotta Data Services, Locuz Enterprise Solutions, Vensysco Technologies, Cyfuture India, Sify Digital Services, and Netmagic IT Services. Four of the six applying companies—Locuz Enterprise Solutions, Ishan Infotech, Vensysco Technologies, and Sify Digital Services—passed the technical phase in the third round. Nevertheless, Rackbank Datacenters and Teleglobal International failed to get past the round.

    Quick
    Shots

    •IndiaAI Mission to procure 3,850+
    GPUs in its third round of tenders.

    •IndiaAI already has 1,050 Google
    Trillium TPUs in place.

    •IndiaAI’s GPU capacity rises to
    34,333 GPUs with new additions.

    •Govt to procure 14,000 more GPUs as
    announced by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

  • Ashwini Vaishnaw Confirms India’s First Commercial-Scale Silicon Fab

    In an X post, the minister stated that five assembly, testing, marking, and packaging units, one fab, and six semiconductor units are in varying phases of planning, building, and operation. Last week, four more were approved: three ATMP, including the most advanced packaging unit, and one silicon carbide fab. The whole ecosystem is developing in Bharat, including design, manufacturing, packaging, machinery, chemicals, and gases.

    Lam Research & Applied Materials Strengthen India’s Chip Supply Chain

    He noted that major equipment makers Lam Research and Applied Materials are establishing design, production, and validation facilities in the nation. Wafers are thin, circular slices of crystalline semiconductor material, usually silicon, used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. The majority of silicon fabs typically produce between 20,000 and 40,000 wafer starts each month.

    India’s Chipmaking Roadmap and ISM Projects Worth INR 4,584 Cr

    A few days after the Union Cabinet approved four projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with a combined expenditure of INR 4,584 Cr, Ashwini Vaishnaw made remarks regarding India’s chipmaking agenda. There will be two projects in Odisha and one each in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

    The minister established two brand-new, cutting-edge design hubs in Noida and Bengaluru earlier in May to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities, from testing to architecture. The first phase of the Indian government’s semiconductor mission, which aims to make the nation a global centre for electronics design and manufacturing, was initiated in 2022.

    Government Incentives Driving Semiconductor Growth in Bharat

    This occurred a year after the government introduced the Semicon India initiative, which provided INR 76,000 Cr in incentives for producers of silicon semiconductors, display semiconductors, compound semiconductors, and other products. To improve India’s semiconductor industry, more than five units have been approved under the ISM; these are anticipated to draw INR 1.52 Lakh Cr in total investment.

    Leadership Change: Amitesh Kumar Sinha Appointed CEO of ISM

    In April of this year, Amitesh Kumar Sinha was appointed as the new CEO of the India Semiconductor Mission. This came weeks after it was reported that the union government was considering “supporting” chip design projects in the nation and semiconductor packaging designs in addition to internally discussing plans for the second phase of the ISM’s rollout.

    The domestic semiconductor market is the foundation of all of these developments and is anticipated to represent a $150 billion opportunity by 2030, according to a number of media reports.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Four new projects sanctioned — three
    ATMP (incl. advanced packaging) and one silicon carbide fab.

    •Full value chain developing in India
    — design, manufacturing, packaging, machinery, chemicals, and gases.

    •Lam Research and Applied Materials
    setting up design, production, and validation facilities in India.

    •Typical silicon fabs produce
    20,000–40,000 wafer starts per month.

  • Govt Extends Electronics Manufacturing Scheme Deadline to Sept 30 to Boost Participation

    The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) application window deadline has been extended by the Centre until September 30. Applications under ECMS were previously due on July 31, 2025. According to a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notification, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of IT, approved the adjustment.

    INR 8,000 Cr in Bids Received, INR 59,350 Cr Investment Targeted

    Notably, under the ECMS plan, the Centre has already received bids totalling between INR 7,500 Cr and INR 8,000 Cr. The ministry is expected to sanction projects under the INR 22,919 Cr program by August or September, according to a number of earlier reports.

    Scheme Aims to Create 91,600 Jobs & Scale Output

    This plan to concentrate on non-semiconductor electronics components was accepted by the union cabinet on March 28. It seeks to draw in INR 59,350 Cr in investment, which will lead to INR 4,56,500 Cr in output and the creation of 91,600 new direct jobs in addition to numerous indirect jobs. With a one-year gestation period, the system has a six-year duration. A portion of the incentive’s payout is also correlated with meeting employment goals.

    Rare Earth Shortages & Global Trade Tensions Hit Industry

    Cross-border trade disputes are making it challenging for Indian manufacturers to advance smoothly, even as the government promotes the “Made in India” slogan to boost domestic production. A number of ECMS companies raised concerns earlier this month about missing first-year incentive targets because they lacked the necessary resources.

    This follows previous Chinese export restrictions on several rare earth elements. To put things in perspective, the incentive payout for the first year under ECMS is contingent upon a number of goals, including employment creation, capital spending, and output value.

    However, Indian manufacturing would also be hit hard, as China has banned the supply of seven essential rare earth elements in retaliation for Donald Trump’s announcement of a 34% tariff on Chinese imports into the US. India uses rare earth metals to make consumer gadgets, conventional cars, and electric vehicles, among other things.

    India’s Electronics Manufacturing Surge: FY24 Highlights

    In terms of the industry’s progress thus far, India manufactured electronics products valued at INR 9.52 Lakh Cr in FY24 compared to INR 1.90 Lakh Cr in FY15. With 99% of smartphones being produced domestically, the nation has also seen a significant decrease in its reliance on imports, according to the Economic Survey 2024–25.

    Policy Support: SEZ Norms Relaxed to Boost Local Manufacturing

    Even in her 2025–2026 budget statement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the government wants to provide the local electronics equipment industry with a much-needed boost. Since then, the industry has seen a number of advancements. The Centre changed the regulations governing special economic zones (SEZs) last month to give manufacturers of semiconductors and electronic components more latitude.

    The minimum amount of land needed to establish SEZ units has been lowered from 50 hectares to 10 hectares under this new notification. Smartwatches, earbuds, display module sub-assemblies, Li-ion battery cells, camera module sub-assemblies, battery sub-assemblies, and various other module sub-assemblies, as well as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and hardware components for mobile and information technology, will all be covered by the relaxation.

    Tata Electronics and German engineering behemoth Robert Bosch GmbH teamed together earlier this month to concentrate on semiconductor chip manufacturing and packaging at Tata Electronics’ planned sites in Gujarat and Assam.

  • Railway Ministry Unveils RailOne App for Hassle-Free Ticket Booking

    On July 2, Indian Railways introduced RailOne, a special one-stop solution app for all passenger services, in an effort to make travel easier and more pleasant for passengers.

    On the occasion of the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), which plans, develops, executes, and manages important information systems for Indian Railways, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled RailOne, the new software programme.

    The new app is intended to act as a one-stop shop for all passenger demands and questions pertaining to railroads.

     By combining several services into one interface, it also seeks to improve passenger convenience. Users using iPhones and Android devices can now download RailOne from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

    Vibrant Features of the RailOne

    The ministry claims that the RailOne app also has features for enquiring about goods train services. According to the government, the customer receives a comprehensive package of Indian Railways services since all the services are housed in one location and have integrated communication between them.

    Additionally, RailOne offers a single sign-on option that lessens the need for customers to memorise numerous passwords.

    The app enables users to continue using their login credentials if they are already using the RailConnect or UTSonMobile applications for booking. They can use their current account and password to access RailOne.

    Apart from that, app also features regular services such as booking train tickets, platform tickets, enquiry about train and its running status, checking PNR status, scheduling and planning journey, helpline services, ordering meal on the go etc.

    Recent Transformations in the Indian Railways

    The Ministry has required that Aadhaar-verified IRCTC IDs be used to book tatkal and emergency tickets from July 1. This action attempts to stop IRCTC partner agents from abusing the system by booking tickets in large quantities, which frequently prevents actual travellers from securing bookings.

    The first reservation chart timing revision is another important change to train services. The chart will no longer be prepared four hours before the train’s scheduled departure; instead, it will now be prepared eight hours beforehand.

    A minor change to Indian Railways’ existing train prices has also been announced. The new structure will result in a 0.01 per kilometre increase in rates for non-AC mail and express trains and a 0.02 per kilometre increase for AC class fares.

    Suburban rates, second-class tickets for trips under 500 km, and monthly season tickets will not be affected by this change, nevertheless. Vaishnaw praised the CRIS team’s efforts to upgrade the current Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and urged them to concentrate on further fortifying the digital core of the Indian Railways.

    According to a Railways spokesperson, the new PRS would be scalable, multilingual, and nimble enough to manage ten times the existing load. It would be able to process 40 lakh enquiries and 1.5 lakh ticket bookings every minute.

    He went on to say that the new PRS will be inclusive, feature sophisticated fare calendar and seat selection features, and incorporate alternatives for patients, students, and divyangjan (those with disabilities), among others.

  • Government to Acquire 14,000 More GPUs, Announces IT Minister

    According to reports, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, stated that the government is prepared to acquire 14,000 more graphics processing units (GPUs) as part of the IndiaAI Mission.

    Vaishnaw stated that the ministry’s goal in the initial round was to make 10,000 GPUs accessible to everyone. Therefore, the ministry obtained 18,000 GPUs in the first round alone, exceeding the 10,000 GPU target, and is now on the verge of receiving an additional 14,000 GPUs. That’s a significant amount, then.

    This will be on top of the 18,000 GPUs that the Centre has already purchased in recent months. The government invited bidders to submit GPUs for the shared computing facility in January of this year, including CMS Computers, Jio Platforms, Tata Communications, E2E Networks, and Yotta Data Services.

    Vaishnaw had previously stated that this computer centre will be the “most affordable” in the world, with an hourly rate of less than $1. It is important to remember that the government will pay 40% of the cost of the AI compute pricing.

    India Building an Ingenious AI Infrastructure  

    According to reports, Vaishnaw stated, “This is a big change, and AI is here for good,” when speaking at the CII Business Summit 2025.

    The minister emphasised the significance of an indigenous large language model (LLM) and stated that the nation will soon have AI models that are created and trained using Indian data, which includes societal norms, nuances, languages, and culture.

     The Centre is currently in the advanced phases of accepting three to four applications for the AI model being developed by SarvamAI, Vaishnaw added in reference to the initiative to establish an indigenous LLM.

    According to Vaishnaw, the IT Ministry has started working on developing models. Sarvam is working on one of the first ones, and there are currently three to four applications in the advanced stage of approval.

    As part of this process, the ministry is also utilising shared datasets to enable individuals to create their own applications that are beneficial to them, whether they are in the industrial, healthcare, or agricultural sectors.

    Highlighting India’s Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Goals

    It is important to remember that SarvamAI was chosen from the initial group of candidates to develop the domestic AI model as part of the INR 10,371.92 Cr IndiaAI initiative. According to reports, he also mentioned that the government wants to “democratise” access to AI and have the nation ready for a swift technological revolution.

    Vaishnaw also reaffirmed that later this year, a local factory will produce India’s first semiconductor chip, which will have a size range of 28 to 90 nanometres (nm). Six fabrication units are currently being built, Vaishnaw continued. It is anticipated that the first Made in India chip would be released this year. “We initiated this journey in 2022, and the progress has been steady,” he stated.

    The minister explained that the government took a “focused approach” by focusing on a certain market sector that accounts for 60% of the world’s semiconductor demand, which is why it chose to target the 28 to 90 nm region. Chips in this category are utilised in power equipment, telecommunications, and automotive systems.

  • Centre Launches ECMS Portal to Boost Domestic Electronics Manufacturing

    The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), along with its dedicated portal, has been launched by the government. The Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the scheme with a promise of attracting huge domestic and international investments.

    The scheme was approved earlier by the Union Cabinet and is aimed at building robust manufacturing capacities. It seeks to deepen India’s integration into global value chains. In a very real sense, it seeks to put electronics production back in India and make India a hub for it.

    Industry Growth Sets the Stage

    At the launch event, Vaishnaw emphasized the incredible growth curve India has shown in electronics manufacturing. Over the last few years, the sector has seen production increase five times, and exports have surged six times, with both figures achieving compound annual growth rates of more than 17% and 20%, respectively. Major contributors to this upward trend are sectors like mobile phones, servers, laptops, and IT hardware. According to Vaishnaw, the electronics industry is poised to grow even faster now, thanks to the friendly government initiatives and the rising investor confidence that has come in recent months.

    ECMS to Fuel Broad-Based Industrial Growth

    Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the ECMS as a “horizontal scheme” whose reach would go far beyond the electronics sector and benefit many others, particularly those involved in industrial production, power, and automotive manufacturing. He noted that a comprehensive, resilient electronics manufacturing ecosystem is emerging across India and voiced his confidence in the industry’s capabilities. ECMS would play a big part in achieving this, he said.

    The minister stressed that without a focus on innovation, quality couldn’t be achieved. He noted that many of the firms involved in the electronics sector have set up design teams that he believes must accompany any serious conversation about achieving the quality that ought to be a hallmark of the products coming out of the electronics sector. He made clear that achieving Six Sigma must become the norm. With regard to electronics manufacturing in India, the minister voiced optimism about the diversification of knowledge.

    A Digital Future Fueled by Innovation

    Launched along with broader initiatives to place India at the forefront of tectonic advancements in technology, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) could make the country a major global player when it comes to the electronic gadgetry on which our modern lives depend.

    The scheme, which will invest INR 23,000 crore in push subsidies over six years, will stabilize the component supply chain and is likely to attract global players into an India that aspires to a share in the massive electronics market. In promising to splurge on semiconductors, we now have, in push and pull terms, a national-level strategy to establish the semiconductor value chain inside India.

  • Indian Railways to Collaborate with IIT-Madras to Develop Air Mobility Solutions

    A concept that formerly appeared to be science fiction is now progressively approaching reality, facilitated by an innovative partnership between Indian Railways and IIT-Madras. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently declared that the ministry will collaborate with a distinguished institute to create advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles, which could transform urban mobility in India. TICE provides essential information regarding the government’s strategy.

    The Ministry of Railways is financing this ambitious program, which is anticipated to advance India into a new era of innovative transport alternatives. Vaishnaw’s declaration occurred during the virtual concluding ceremony of the Global Hyperloop Competition 2025, organised by IIT-Madras. This initiative corresponds with the government’s broader objective of promoting domestic innovation and establishing India as a frontrunner in modern transportation technologies.

    How Do VTOL Vehicles Work?

    VTOL vehicles are aircraft that can ascend and descend vertically, analogous to helicopters, yet possess the efficiency and velocity of aeroplanes. In contrast to traditional aircraft that necessitate extensive runways, VTOLs can function from limited areas, rendering them suitable for crowded urban settings. These vehicles may facilitate the development of flying taxis, emergency response air ambulances, and airborne logistics, profoundly altering the transportation of individuals and commodities.

    The potential is not limited to that. In addition to passenger transport, VTOLs may be utilised for railway track inspections, aerial surveys, and emergency evacuations, offering Indian Railways a unique instrument to improve efficiency and safety.

    Strong Backing from the Government

    This partnership highlights the Indian government’s dedication to utilising academia for innovative technological progress. IIT-Madras, recognised for its research in advanced transportation solutions, will be instrumental in building VTOL prototypes and enhancing their design for practical applications. Vaishnaw emphasised that this collaboration signifies a significant advancement in developing indigenous, innovative travel solutions that might position India in the vanguard of the global mobility sector.

    The growing number of Indian entrepreneurs entering the advanced air mobility sector will enhance the ecosystem. India’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a proliferation of enterprises dedicated to electric and hybrid aerial transportation, and a government-supported initiative of this magnitude is anticipated to significantly enhance the sector.

     Although the potential of VTOL vehicles is promising, regulatory approvals constitute a significant obstacle. In contrast to railways, air mobility solutions are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA). Any advancement in this domain would require authorisation from these authorities to guarantee airworthiness, safety, and compliance with existing airspace norms.

    The MCA acknowledges the need for an efficient regulatory framework and is diligently developing a sandbox environment to test new electric air mobility solutions. The DGCA has established six working groups to investigate various aspects of this technology, including safety protocols and operational feasibility. This is anticipated to offer a systematic framework for startups and industry stakeholders to commercialise their VTOL inventions.

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  • Beyond Major AI: How India is Shaping its Distinct AI Revolution?

    IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that India aims to develop small language models (SLMs) to address “distinct” issues, in addition to a large language model (LLM). Vaishnaw stated that the government is examining its own digital models with smaller models that can address specific, distinct issues.

    During a virtual address at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum 2025, the IT minister stated that the government is concentrating on generating a substantial quantity of non-personal and anonymised datasets for the training of domestically developed fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) models. Vaishnaw also enquired whether the country can establish a robust research foundation. India has established centres of excellence (CoEs), three of which are presently operational, with an additional one allocated in the budget.

    Digital Public Infrastructure Acting as a Catalyst

    Vasihnaw emphasised that structured data derived from state-supported digital public infrastructure (DPI) will enable India to “distinguish itself” in the forthcoming months and years in the AI competition. Vaishnaw observed that the Centre is utilising AI throughout the India Stack, including services like Digi Yatra, Aadhaar, and UPI. The Minister stated that the outcomes had been exceptional. The efficacy of DPI can be amplified by factors of 10, 15, or even 100, and we incorporate AI in this process.

    This will be a significant advantage for us due to our existing foundation. In a virtual fireside chat, Vaishnaw announced that Japan has granted a patent for UPI’s “gateway system.” A distinguished media site reported that the IT minister indicated the nation intends to shift from a services-orientated economy, particularly in IT services, to a product-centric powerhouse in sectors including semiconductors, AI, and consumer electronics. He stated that India’s aspirations in AI surpass simple service delivery or application creation. India might have confined itself to being a hub for use cases and application service provision, but the nation aspires to achieve far greater ambitions.

    Government’s Future Plan in the AI Sector

    The minister stated that the Centre is pursuing a comprehensive AI strategy, which encompasses the development of indigenous fundamental models, the creation of anonymised non-personal datasets for training, the establishment of centres of excellence for AI research, and the integration of AI education into institutions. The IT minister disclosed that 25 semiconductor products will be developed at the five upcoming semiconductor units in the country, where construction is currently ongoing.

    Regarding AI governance, Vaishnaw emphasised that the Centre will maintain a regulatory approach that fosters innovation rather than hinders it. “We must address the potential harm to society and regulate it; yet, we should not allow innovation to be suppressed as has occurred in numerous other nations,” he stated.

    This follows closely behind reports indicating that the Centre has received a minimum of 67 proposals for the development of a domestic AI basic model. The government has allegedly received offers for the development of 20 LLMs from domestic AI businesses, including Sarvam AI, CoRover, and Ola’s Krutrim.

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  • ‘Made-in-India’ Chip to be Introduced by Sep/Oct: Vaishnaw

    By September or October of this year, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, anticipates that the first “made-in-India” chip will be released from a commercial factory. The minister made the remarks during a media appearance in Bengaluru on February 15, according to various media reports. Notably, Tata Electronics is constructing a semiconductor facility in Dholera, Gujarat, in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).

    Nearly 60% of the building has already been finished at Micron’s semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Sanand, the state. According to Vaishnaw, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has received grants of INR 334 Cr from the Centre “for new research and development (R&D) in gallium nitride, a technology in semiconductors, which is used in telecom and power.” Students at 234 institutions are receiving the “latest” semiconductor design tools, he added. Without going into detail, the minister also stated that the union government intends to launch a production-linked incentive (PLI) program for “components” shortly.

    India’s Manufacturing Sector Attracting Investors

    The nation has seen investments in the electronics manufacturing sector totalling INR 13,162 Cr in the “recent past,” according to the IT minister, and many more are on the horizon. In response to a query from the media, Vaishnaw stated that the IT ministry is collaborating with industry participants to finish the initial version of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0). The Centre intends to finish modernising the semiconductor lab in Mohali under the first edition.

    Upon this, he stated that the ministry will start the process of sanctioning ISM 2.0 and that funding for the second iteration of the mission would be determined upon Cabinet approval. This occurs when the union government is making every effort to turn India into a semiconductor hub by providing incentives and sops to international companies looking to establish operations there.

    Semicom India Programme

    To encourage silicon semiconductor fabs, display fabs, compound semiconductors, and other industries, the Centre started the Semicon India program in 2021 with an investment of INR 76,000 Cr. Establishing greenfield semiconductor and display factories, enhancing R&D and design skills, and being able to compete with other Asian bases to lessen India’s reliance on imports are some of the program’s main goals. The objective of the program is to entice major international chip manufacturers to establish India as their production base.

    India aspires to become a technology leader in these strategically important fields, which are also essential for safeguarding the nation’s vital information infrastructure. The objectives also support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. ISM was also launched in 2022 as part of the Semicon India program. Investors are also following suit; domestic semiconductor firms raised $28 million in 2024 from just $5 million in 2023. The domestic semiconductor market is at the centre of all of this, and according to various published reports, it is expected to expand into a $150 billion potential by 2030.

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