In a major boost to its technological ambitions, India is set to become one of the world’s top three semiconductor-producing nations by 2036, according to projections by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The announcement was made during the curtain raiser for the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025) held at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad on October 17.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, emphasized the vital role of semiconductors across modern industries — from defence and communications to space exploration and consumer electronics. He highlighted how India’s progress in semiconductor research and manufacturing reflects its transformation from an aspirational nation to an implementation-driven innovation hub.
Building India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Since launching the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021 under the Digital India initiative, the country has rapidly advanced from policy planning to industrial execution. New fabrication and testing facilities, international technology partnerships, and indigenous research programs led by DRDO and ISM have accelerated India’s progress.
Kamat reaffirmed that India’s goal of joining the world’s top three semiconductor producers by 2036 is an achievable target supported by ongoing technological breakthroughs and coherent policy implementation.
Key Technological Milestones
Among DRDO’s recent achievements are the indigenous development of 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and the fabrication of Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with power outputs up to 150 watts. These innovations are crucial for advanced radar systems, high-frequency communications, and energy-efficient power electronics—strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical electronic components.
ESTIC-2025: Showcasing India’s Scientific Vision
The Hyderabad event served as a prelude to ESTIC-2025, scheduled for November 3–5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, under the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment.”
Organized under the guidance of India’s Principal Scientific Adviser and involving 13 ministries, the conclave will bring together policymakers, scientists, industries, and startups to shape the nation’s innovation roadmap. The DRDO-led session on semiconductor manufacturing is expected to draw particular focus.
Driving the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision
Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, described ESTIC-2025 as India’s first integrated platform for coordinated scientific advancement. He noted India’s rapid rise in global innovation metrics—ranking among the top six in patent filings and projected to lead in research publications by 2029.
Singh underscored that this progress stems from strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government, aligning innovation with national development goals.
Strategic Importance of Semiconductors
For India, semiconductor independence is both an economic and national security priority. Advanced chips power essential defence and communication systems, making indigenous production key to strategic autonomy. The synergy between DRDO, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and private industry is creating a powerful ecosystem to achieve this goal.
A Vision of Self-Reliance
The semiconductor initiative aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, emphasizing technological empowerment and strategic independence. With a strong research base, expanding manufacturing capacity, and a dynamic start-up ecosystem, India is on course to lead the global semiconductor revolution.
As India prepares for ESTIC-2025 and the India International Science Festival (IISF-2025), its journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047 reflects a clear message: innovation and self-reliance are the pillars of the nation’s future.
By 2036, as India joins the ranks of top semiconductor producers, it will mark not just an industrial milestone but a defining moment in its rise as a global innovation leader.
