Five Semiconductor Plants Expected to Be Operational in India by End of 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi - India is on track to have five semiconductor plants operational by the end of 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, highlighting the country's rapid progress in building a domestic chip manufacturing ecosystem.

The minister said that out of the 12 semiconductor projects approved by the Central government, three have already entered commercial production, while two more are expected to be inaugurated in the coming months.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country's first and second semiconductor plants on February 28 and March 31, 2026, respectively.

Vaishnaw said the commercial launch of the third CG SEMI (OSAT) facility in Sanand has further strengthened global confidence in India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

He said a strong semiconductor ecosystem is steadily taking shape under the Prime Minister's leadership and will play a key role in supporting India's long-term economic and technological growth.

The minister also praised the Gujarat government for its efficient execution, noting that the CG SEMI plant moved from groundbreaking to commercial production in just 27 months.

Calling the project more than just a technological milestone, Vaishnaw said it is also creating new employment opportunities. Young women from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Gujarat have been recruited as plant operators after undergoing specialised training in Malaysia.

He added that as India's semiconductor ecosystem expands, advanced training programmes of global standards are expected to become available within the country, reducing the need for overseas training.

The chips produced at the facility will be used in automobiles, scooters and industrial equipment for the domestic market, while exports to Japan, the United States and Europe are also planned, strengthening India's role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The CG SEMI facility, built with an investment of more than Rs 7,600 crore, was launched on March 13, 2024, in partnership with Renesas Electronics, giving India access to advanced semiconductor technologies, manufacturing expertise and global quality standards.

Vaishnaw also noted that India's electronics manufacturing sector has expanded into an industry valued at nearly Rs 13 lakh crore, generating employment for more than 25 lakh people.

With inputs from IANS