Defence Ministry Outlines Vision to Establish India as a Semiconductor Powerhouse by 2047

India has outlined its goal to emerge as a globally competitive and technologically self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse by 2047. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the vision focuses on securing leadership in selected next-generation chip technologies, building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem, creating high-value employment, and delivering societal benefits.

The announcement was highlighted during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam. The event, which ran from October 27 to 29, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was jointly organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the principal scientific adviser to the government of India.

As one of the key organisers, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) led a thematic session focused on 'Semiconductors & Next-Generation Chips'. Chaired by B K Das, Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), the session brought together leaders from industry, academia, the indigenous chip-development ecosystem, and defence electronics.

Discussions during the session explored emerging developments in semiconductor technologies, purpose-built artificial intelligence (AI) system-on-chips (SoCs), intelligence at the silicon edge, and the evolving microprocessor landscape. The ministry noted that the session emphasized the DRDO's expanding role in enabling industries and startups to develop innovative solutions, accelerate chip design, and strengthen core indigenous technologies.

In addition to semiconductor discussions, the DRDO outreach stall at ESTIC 2026 displayed various indigenous technologies developed by its laboratories. These included advanced communication systems, quantum technology prototypes, extreme-cold-weather clothing, the PRABALA female full-body protector, passive and powered exoskeletons, portable hybrid energy management systems, high-power pulse laser diodes, and scramjet engine technology.

The ministry stressed that semiconductor technology remains a critical enabler of national sovereignty, economic strength, and digital security. This sector plays an essential role in advancing the broader national goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing indigenous technological capabilities.

Furthermore, the government highlighted that achieving technological self-reliance extends beyond chip manufacturing alone. It requires comprehensive capabilities spanning chip design, fabrication, testing, industrial-scale production, and resilient supply chains to support modern communication devices, advanced sensing systems, and sophisticated defence platforms.

"The government's long-term vision for the semiconductor sector highlights the critical intersection of defence, deep-tech, and national infrastructure. For the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly companies operating in chip design and core electronics, this policy direction opens up significant opportunities to collaborate with bodies like the DRDO. Building a self-reliant supply chain requires early-stage innovators to focus on indigenous research, industrial-scale testing, and scalable manufacturing to meet future demands." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes