Greater Noida, India — February 21, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed that India must achieve self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, calling domestically produced chips critical to building a developed nation. He spoke via video conference at the foundation-laying ceremony of the HCL–Foxconn joint venture semiconductor project at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority zone in Uttar Pradesh.
India’s Development Linked to Domestic Chip Production
Addressing the event, Modi said that India’s path to becoming a developed country rests on technological self-sufficiency. He emphasized that “Made in India” semiconductors will be central to future innovation and economic growth.
According to the Prime Minister, the technological initiatives India is undertaking this decade will form the foundation of the country’s capabilities throughout the 21st century.
UP Emerging as Semiconductor Hub
The Prime Minister described it as a matter of pride that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly positioning itself as a major node in India’s semiconductor ecosystem. He noted that wherever semiconductor plants are established, design centers, startup networks, and innovation clusters tend to follow.
The project being developed by HCL and Foxconn is expected to strengthen India’s domestic chip supply chain and reduce reliance on imports.
Global Leaders Witness India’s AI Growth
Referring to the recently concluded India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Modi said global heads of state and technology leaders gathered to assess India’s progress in artificial intelligence.
He stated that the world saw India’s technological capabilities, understood its vision, and appreciated its approach toward responsible AI development.
Late Start but Rapid Progress
The Prime Minister acknowledged that India entered the semiconductor race later than some global competitors but said progress has accelerated quickly. He revealed that under the national semiconductor mission, India has already approved ten semiconductor fabrication and packaging projects, with four facilities expected to begin production soon.
He added that India is making unprecedented investments in technologies that will shape humanity’s future, calling the current decade a “technology revolution” phase for the country.
