India's digital rise in 12 years: AI, semiconductors, data centres leap
Synopsis
In 12 years, India went from 25 crore internet users to over 102 crore, approved ₹1.64 lakh crore in semiconductor projects, built a 1,000-km quantum communication network, and quadrupled data centre capacity — an official fact-sheet now frames this as a systemic shift from digital consumer to global technology creator.
Key Takeaways
Internet connections in India grew from 25.15 crore in 2014 to over 102 crore in 2026 ; broadband from 6.1 crore to nearly 100 crore .
The Semicon India Programme (₹76,000 crore) has approved 12 semiconductor projects worth around ₹1.64 lakh crore .
The IndiaAI Mission (₹10,300 crore+) is deploying over 38,000 GPUs ; AI Kosh hosts 12,000+ datasets across 20 sectors .
Data centre capacity expanded four-fold from 375 MW (2020) to nearly 1,500 MW (2025) .
India demonstrated a secure quantum communication link over 1,000 kilometres under the National Quantum Mission (₹6,003.65 crore).
India's Global Innovation Index rank improved from 81st (2015) to 38th (2025) ; UPI is live in 5+ countries .
India has transformed into a global digital powerhouse over the past 12 years, advancing rapidly across artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technologies, data centres, and digital public infrastructure (DPI), according to an official fact-sheet released on Monday, 22 June 2026. The document underlines a structural shift — from a nation that largely consumed digital technologies to one now building globally scalable solutions.
Digital India: The Infrastructure Backbone
The Digital India programme has been central to this transformation. Internet connections surged from 25.15 crore in 2014 to more than 102 crore in 2026, while broadband connections grew from 6.1 crore to nearly 100 crore over the same period. Optical fibre coverage more than doubled to over 42 lakh route kilometres, and 5G services now reach almost all districts across the country. These gains reflect sustained policy commitment rather than market forces alone.
AI, Supercomputing and Semiconductors
Under the National Supercomputing Mission, 38 supercomputers with a combined capacity of 47 petaflops have been deployed across leading institutions, including indigenous PARAM Rudra systems. The IndiaAI Mission — approved with an outlay of over ₹10,300 crore — is building a common computing facility with more than 38,000 GPUs. Its AI Kosh platform already hosts over 12,000 datasets and more than 300 AI models spanning 20 sectors.
In semiconductors, the ₹76,000-crore Semicon India Programme has driven the approval of 12 projects worth around ₹1.64 lakh crore, covering a semiconductor fabrication facility, compound semiconductor units, and chip packaging plants. This positions India as a credible alternative in the global chip supply chain — a conversation that barely existed a decade ago.
Quantum Technologies and Data Centres
The National Quantum Mission — allocated ₹6,003.65 crore — has established four thematic hubs and supported several startups. India recently demonstrated a secure quantum communication network over a distance of 1,000 kilometres, a milestone that signals readiness for next-generation secure communications.
Data centre capacity has expanded four-fold, from around 375 MW in 2020 to nearly 1,500 MW by 2025, with major hubs emerging in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Noida, and Jamnagar. This growth is attracting global hyperscalers and positioning India as an Asian data infrastructure hub.
Digital Public Infrastructure Goes Global
India's DPI stack — anchored by Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, CoWIN, UMANG, and GeM — has drawn international attention. The government has signed cooperation agreements with 23 countries on DPI, while UPI is now operational in several nations including Singapore, the UAE, France, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This export of digital infrastructure marks a qualitative shift in India's global technology standing.
Innovation Index and the Road Ahead
India's rank in the Global Innovation Index climbed from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025, reflecting gains across research, infrastructure, and knowledge outputs. The government noted that continued investments in digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, research, and skilled talent are positioning India as a trusted global hub for next-generation innovation. Whether execution keeps pace with ambition will be the defining question of the next decade.
Point of View
And the numbers are striking — but the harder question is quality, not quantity. Crossing 100 crore internet connections matters less if last-mile speeds and digital literacy lag. The semiconductor push is promising, yet India has approved projects before without reaching volume production; the fabrication facility is still years from wafer output. India's Global Innovation Index jump to 38th is real, but the country still ranks poorly on research output and patent filings relative to its size. The DPI export story is genuinely differentiated — no other nation has built and offered a full-stack public digital infrastructure at this scale — and that may be India's most durable competitive advantage in the next decade.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How has India's internet connectivity changed in 12 years?
Internet connections in India grew from 25.15 crore in 2014 to more than 102 crore in 2026, while broadband connections expanded from 6.1 crore to nearly 100 crore. Optical fibre coverage more than doubled to over 42 lakh route kilometres, and 5G now covers almost all districts.
What is the Semicon India Programme and how big is it?
The Semicon India Programme is a ₹76,000-crore government initiative to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. It has led to the approval of 12 projects worth around ₹1.64 lakh crore, including a chip fabrication facility, compound semiconductor units, and packaging plants.
What has India achieved in quantum technology?
Under the National Quantum Mission, allocated ₹6,003.65 crore, India has established four thematic hubs and supported multiple startups. The country recently demonstrated a secure quantum communication network spanning 1,000 kilometres.
How has India's data centre capacity grown?
India's data centre capacity expanded four-fold from around 375 MW in 2020 to nearly 1,500 MW by 2025. Major hubs have emerged in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Noida, and Jamnagar, attracting global operators.
In how many countries is UPI available, and what is India's DPI reach?
UPI is currently operational in several countries including Singapore, the UAE, France, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. India has also signed digital public infrastructure cooperation agreements with 23 countries, reflecting the global uptake of its DPI model.
