New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on India’s young engineering talent to play a greater role in developing advanced technologies domestically, saying the country’s demographic strength and growing pool of skilled professionals offer a major opportunity for the semiconductor industry.
Inaugurating SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted India’s expanding talent pool and the specialised skilling programmes being developed for chip design.
The Prime Minister said he had received custom-designed chips from students and noted that the government has set an ambitious target of training one lakh engineering students in chip design, with around 70,000 already trained.
“Such a large talent pool is, in a way, nothing less than a gold mine for all of you,” PM Modi told the gathering.
Urging young researchers working in India and abroad to contribute to advanced technology development in the country, he also called upon industry leaders to take the lead in strengthening domestic research and development.
“There is benefit for the industry in this, and the youth power of India will also get strength from this,” he said.
PM Modi traced the progress of India’s semiconductor ecosystem from initial policy discussions and project planning to pilot lines and commercial production.
He said the efforts had now begun translating into chips manufactured in India reaching customers domestically and globally. He also highlighted the commencement of commercial production at two new plants in Mohali and Surat.
“Now our chips, coming out of India’s plants, have started reaching customers in the country and the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister credited industry collaboration for helping India rapidly build capabilities across chip design, equipment manufacturing and testing.
Addressing industry leaders, he said, “You are the pillars of this success of India, you are partners.”
PM Modi also referred to the second phase of the Semiconductor Mission, involving an investment of $13.5 billion, and highlighted regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating collaboration between international companies, startups and design firms.
“The Government of India is taking every step needed for the success of your projects,” he said.
He stressed the need to nurture fabless semiconductor companies, develop intellectual property and integrate silicon photonics into infrastructure designed to support artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister also urged companies involved in semiconductor equipment, chemicals, gases and materials to make use of the opportunities emerging from the 12 approved projects and growing demand for semiconductor products.
“We want the entire ecosystem to grow together,” PM Modi said.
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