Startup Originals Team
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has marked a pivotal moment in India’s development trajectory by announcing that the country is ready to unveil its first ever “Made in India” semiconductor chip. The announcement comes amid global economic headwinds and heightened trade tension, following US President Trump’s recent criticism labeling India a “dead economy.” PM Modi’s message resounds with confidence-emphasizing India’s journey from the world’s 10th to 5th largest economy over the past 11 years, with sights now set on breaking into the top three.
Semiconductor Mission: Powering India’s Tech Self-Reliance
PM Modi highlighted the swift progress of India’s semiconductor mission, revealing that the nation’s inaugural, homegrown chip is poised for launch. The project is gaining speed, supported by major investments such as the Tata Group’s Rs 27,000 crore chip manufacturing plant in Assam. This plant, along with others, is part of a larger plan to establish India as a dominant force in global electronics and technology, reducing reliance on imports and creating new opportunities for high-tech manufacturing.
The Prime Minister emphasized the strategic value of chip production: “This small chip will elevate India’s development to new heights and this is my guarantee,” he stated, underscoring how indigenous chips will soon power devices worldwide-including those in major markets like the U.S..
India’s AI and Digital Ambitions: A Vision for Global Leadership
Beyond chips, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence. Through the IndiaAI Mission-backed by over Rs 10,000 crore-the country is constructing one of the largest AI computing infrastructures in the world, offering affordable GPU access for startups and researchers. AI Centres of Excellence in healthcare, agriculture, education, and sustainable cities are fostering innovation and driving impactful technology solutions, from telemedicine platforms to urban management systems.
India’s digital transformation continues at pace, with the government asserting that digitisation has reached every village. Schemes like Digital India and massive investments in broadband and 5G have made India a global leader in digital public infrastructure.
UPI: World-Leading Digital Transactions
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reshaped digital payments, currently processing over 18 billion transactions each month and accounting for over half of the world’s real-time transactions. UPI’s success reflects India’s rapid shift toward a cashless, digital-first economy, providing safe, low-cost payment options for millions-making it a flagship model for other nations.
Infrastructure Leaps: Metro Rail and Exports Power the Growth Story
- Metro Expansion: India’s metro network now stretches over 1,000km across 24 cities, up from just five cities (248km) in 2014. Daily ridership has soared fourfold, and the pace of innovation has made India’s metro system the world’s third-largest, strengthening sustainable urban mobility.
- Export Growth: The nation has witnessed a remarkable transformation:
- Mobile and Tech Manufacturing: Once a major importer, India now ranks among the top five mobile handset exporters globally and continues to climb the ladder in electronics manufacturing.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The Spirit of Reform, Perform, Transform
PM Modi attributes India’s acceleration to the “reform, perform, transform” philosophy-asserting that profound policy shifts, investments in digitisation, and the empowerment of the poor have laid the foundation for sustainable growth. Initiatives like Vikasit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) are designed to cultivate innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility.
He urges Indian manufacturers to abide by the “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” principle-creating products that are flawless and eco-friendly, with a special focus on Karnataka’s role as a tech powerhouse.
Conclusion: Racing to the Top as a Global Tech and Economic Powerhouse
India stands on the cusp of integrating its first indigenous semiconductor chip into devices worldwide-a testament to its technological ambition. Coupled with unmatched digital advances, export growth, and vast infrastructure projects, PM Modi’s vision sets India on a pathway to claim its place among the world’s top three economies. The ambition is clear: self-reliance, global leadership, and inclusive growth driven by innovation.
