India’s Semiconductor Ambitions Face Manufacturing Bottleneck Despite Global Design Edge

Semiconductor

India’s semiconductor sector is at a critical inflection point. While the country has emerged as a global hub for chip design, a new report by Endiya Partners warns that the absence of large-scale manufacturing infrastructure threatens to derail its ambitions of building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. Released on October 16, 2025, the report titled India’s Semiconductor Moment outlines the strategic gaps and opportunities in India’s chip journey, calling for urgent policy, talent, and capital interventions.

India’s chip design industry employs over 75,000 engineers and contributes to nearly 20% of global design output. However, the country still lacks fabrication plants (fabs), localized supply chains, and advanced packaging facilities—key components needed to transition from design to full-stack manufacturing. The report identifies seven priority clusters and recommends training over 100,000 engineers across design-to-manufacturing roles, while deepening alliances with the US, EU, Japan, and Taiwan.

🧠 Key Highlights from India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Report

ElementDetails
Report TitleIndia’s Semiconductor Moment
Released ByEndiya Partners
DateOctober 16, 2025
Core MessageDesign strength must be matched with manufacturing scale
Priority ClustersSeven identified across India
Talent RecommendationTrain 100,000+ engineers
Strategic AlliancesUS, EU, Japan, Taiwan

The report also emphasizes the need to support chip design ventures focused on mobility, industrial automation, and defence applications.

📊 Timeline of India’s Semiconductor Policy and Industry Evolution

YearMilestone Description
2021India announces $10B semiconductor incentive scheme
2022Vedanta-Foxconn fab proposal in Gujarat
2023Micron announces packaging unit in Sanand
2024India joins Chip 4 alliance dialogues
October 2025Endiya Partners releases strategic gap report

Despite policy momentum, India’s fab projects have faced delays due to land, licensing, and technology transfer hurdles.

🗣️ Reactions from Industry Leaders, Policy Experts, and Global Partners

  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar (MoS IT): “We are committed to building a full-stack chip ecosystem.”
  • Endiya Partners: “Design-led growth is not enough. We need fabs, talent, and scale.”
  • Taiwan Semiconductor Expert: “India must focus on packaging and testing as entry points.”
Stakeholder GroupReaction Summary
GovernmentPushing for faster approvals and incentives
StartupsSeeking support for fabless design models
AcademiaCalling for curriculum overhaul
Global PartnersEncouraging India’s entry into supply chains

The report also recommends public-private partnerships and semiconductor parks with plug-and-play infrastructure.

🧾 India’s Semiconductor Strengths vs Gaps – Strategic Comparison

Capability AreaCurrent StatusRequired Action
Chip DesignGlobal leader, 75K+ engineersScale to 100K+, support startups
FabricationNo commercial fabs yetAccelerate Vedanta, ISMC, Micron units
Packaging & TestingLimited capacityExpand OSAT facilities
Talent PipelineStrong in design, weak in manufacturingSkilling programs, industry-academia link
Supply ChainImport-dependentLocalize chemicals, substrates, tools
Policy & Incentives₹76,000 crore scheme launchedExecution bottlenecks to be resolved

India’s semiconductor market is projected to grow from $52 billion in 2024 to $103 billion by 2030, driven by AI, mobility, and IoT.

🧭 What to Watch in India’s Semiconductor Roadmap

  • Vedanta-Foxconn Fab Status: Land and tech partner finalization
  • Micron Packaging Unit: Operational timeline and export strategy
  • Chip Design Startups: Rise of fabless ventures in Bengaluru and Hyderabad
  • Global Alliances: India’s role in Chip 4 and Quad tech partnerships

India’s semiconductor ambition is not just about chips—it’s about strategic autonomy, economic resilience, and tech leadership.

Disclaimer

This news content is based on verified industry reports, government statements, and media coverage as of October 17, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute investment advice, policy endorsement, or technical recommendation and adheres to ethical journalism standards.

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