CXOtoday caught up with Mr Rajeev Chandrashekhar, former MP and Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, on the sidelines of the Accenture Semicon FutureCast 2024. Mr Chandrasekhar discussed the Prime Minister’s vision for India’s burgeoning role in the global semiconductor industry: not “dominance”, but having a seat at the table. While acknowledging India’s late entry into the semiconductor space, Mr Chandrashekhar highlighted the significant progress made in just two years, driven by strategic government policies. These efforts include substantial investments in semiconductor fabs, packaging units, and fabless design companies, alongside the development of a skilled talent pool to cater to both domestic and international demands.
Mr Chandrashekhar emphasized that India is no longer focused on import substitution alone but is positioning itself as a competitive force in the global supply chain. He underlined the critical importance of India’s integration into a collaborative global semiconductor ecosystem, where multiple democracies, operating on trust and the rule of law, will shape the future of technology. He also cited India’s growing prominence in electronics manufacturing—producing 14% of Apple’s global iPhone supply within just three years— as evidence of India’s intent and ability to pivot sharply in the pursuit of manufacturing excellence.
Despite challenges such as infrastructure gaps and talent shortages, Mr Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that India is well-equipped to overcome these hurdles. He pointed to the unique partnerships between industry and academia, which are ensuring that India’s educational ecosystem produces talent aligned with the industry’s evolving needs. These collaborations are vital to building a skilled workforce that drives the semiconductor sector forward.
Mr Chandrasekhar voiced his firm belief that India will emerge as a significant player in the global semiconductor supply chain over the next decade. With continued innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships, India is poised to mirror its success in electronics manufacturing and become a major force in shaping the future of the global technology landscape.
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