Sanand, Feb 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Saturday that India's strategy for semiconductors is geared towards establishing a comprehensive ecosystem throughout the nation, during the inauguration of commercial production at Micron's semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Gujarat's Sanand.

During his address, PM Modi stated that the semiconductor ecosystem encompasses far more than a single factory; it includes engineers, design specialists, research institutions, logistics frameworks, and skilled labor.

He remarked, "India is also concentrating on the entire value chain of the semiconductor ecosystem. In the current Union Budget, we have launched the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. The objective is that as production ramps up, the requirement for materials, components, and services will surge within India. This presents an enormous opportunity. Additionally, India's manufacturing ambitions offer a significant advantage," he noted.

PM Modi highlighted that so far, a total of 10 projects have received approval under the Semicon India initiative.

"In addition to Micron, three other projects are set to commence production shortly. The semiconductor ecosystem we are cultivating is not confined to a single area. It is a pan-India initiative, fostering new tech hubs for a developed Bharat across the country," he remarked.

Discussing the strategic importance of semiconductor chips, he noted, "If the key resource of the last century was oil, then the key resource of this century will be microchips. With this vision, India is poised to advance swiftly in the semiconductor industry. It's worth noting that while the world grappled with Covid, India had already announced its semiconductor mission."

He reflected on the 20th century's industrial revolution and mass production, asserting that the current century will be characterized by advancements in artificial intelligence.

The Prime Minister stated, "The world has experienced the Industrial Revolution up until the 20th century. Countries that excelled in factories, machinery, and mass production during that era grew rapidly. However, this century is defined by the AI revolution, with semiconductors serving as the vital link between the two revolutions. A mere chip connects the Industrial Revolution and the AI revolution."

Calling the new facility a testament to India–US collaboration, PM Modi remarked on the strong partnership between the two democracies, especially in AI and chip technology.

"Currently, the global community aims to secure the supply chain for these two technologies, which are integral to a brighter future for humanity. The two leading democracies, India and America, are continually working towards this goal," he added.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the leadership of Micron Technology and commended its CEO Sanjay Mehrotra for his unwavering faith in India.

"He has consistently believed in India. Over the years, in our meetings, he has shown great enthusiasm for India's semiconductor ecosystem. Today, his leadership and trust in India have reached new heights," PM Modi remarked.

He also touched upon regulatory processes, indicating that in several developed nations, Advance Pricing Agreements may take three to five years to finalize.

"In contrast, India has accomplished this in mere months. When intentions are clear, and there is a commitment to the rapid advancement of the country, policies become straightforward, and decision-making progresses swiftly," PM Modi stated.

Detailing the project timeline, he mentioned that a memorandum of understanding for the facility was signed in June 2023, groundbreaking occurred in September 2023, machinery installation in the pilot facility was completed in February 2024, and commercial production commenced in February 2026.

"This Micron facility exemplifies India's new approach. The manner in which India is advancing from policy to production is evident here," PM Modi concluded.

"Today, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in Sanand. The launch of commercial production at Micron's 80MP facility is set to enhance India's position in the global technology value chain. India is swiftly becoming an integral part of the global semiconductor landscape," he added.