PM Modi hails chipsets as ‘Digital Diamonds’ at Semicon 2025

Highlighting $18 billion investments in 10 semiconductor projects since 2021, PM Modi announced the next phase of India’s Semiconductor Mission, a redesigned DLI scheme, ecosystem development, and rare earth initiatives, emphasizing global trust in India’s semiconductor leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Semicon India 2025 conference in New Delhi, describing semiconductor chips as the “digital diamonds” of the 21st century and emphasizing India’s growing role in the trillion-dollar global semiconductor market.

Drawing a comparison with the last century’s dependence on oil, which he termed “black gold,” Modi said the future of global progress rests on semiconductor technology. “The day is not far when the world will say: Designed in India, Made in India, and Trusted by World,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister highlighted that since 2021, India has cleared 10 semiconductor projects involving investments worth $18 billion. He reiterated that the world has confidence in India’s capabilities and is ready to collaborate in building the future of semiconductors.

Outlining government initiatives, Modi noted that the Centre is preparing the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission along with a revamped Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. He said the country’s efforts are not limited to chip manufacturing but extend to creating an entire semiconductor ecosystem that will make India both globally competitive and self-reliant. He also underlined commitments to secure rare earth resources critical for chipmaking.

A fast-expanding market

According to official estimates, India’s semiconductor market was valued at $45–50 billion in FY2024-25, compared to $38 billion in 2023, and is projected to more than double to $100–110 billion by 2030. Modi said these figures reflect the country’s potential to emerge as a vital hub for chip design, fabrication, and innovation.

“The smallest chip designed in India will drive the biggest global change,” he added, underscoring how semiconductors will shape industries ranging from artificial intelligence and telecommunications to manufacturing and smart mobility.

Semicon India 2025

The three-day Semicon India 2025 conference seeks to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities through knowledge sharing, global partnerships, and investments. The agenda includes discussions on semiconductor fabs, advanced packaging, infrastructure development, R&D innovation, and AI-driven applications.

The event also showcases progress under the DLI scheme, the rise of semiconductor startups, and international cooperation in building resilient supply chains.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the conference has drawn over 20,750 participants, including 2,500 delegates from 48 countries, 150 speakers—among them 50 global leaders—and more than 350 exhibitors. Modi is scheduled to engage with industry CEOs in a roundtable session on Wednesday.