Modi's Semiconductor Push: Meeting with US Tech Leaders for Strategic Partnerships

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US signals a strong push towards strengthening India’s position in global semiconductor manufacturing. On September 22, 2024, Modi met with top US tech CEOs, including Sundar Pichai (Google), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Arvind Krishna (IBM), and Jensen Huang (NVIDIA). His goal? To attract investment and collaboration in India’s growing semiconductor industry.

India’s Semiconductor Aspirations

India is positioning itself as a manufacturing hub, particularly for semiconductors, offering an alternative to the dominant suppliers like China and Taiwan. Modi emphasized that India is ready to “co-develop, co-design, and co-produce” technologies with global partners. His discussions with top tech leaders focused on the potential of innovation to reshape the global economy and advance human development.

While India’s semiconductor industry is still in its infancy, recent agreements, including a landmark semiconductor pact with the US, have set the stage for future growth. This deal aims to establish India's first fabrication plant, which will provide semiconductors to both US and Indian military sectors, bolstering national security and technological advancements. Previous attempts to build a domestic semiconductor industry have fallen short, but with the US backing, this new partnership offers fresh momentum.

The Quad Summit and Strategic Alliances

Modi’s trip wasn’t limited to tech talks. On the sidelines of the Quad Summit, which includes the US, Australia, Japan, and India, Modi met with US President Joe Biden. The two leaders signed multiple agreements, further cementing India’s role as a key partner in global supply chains and innovation. The Quad countries also released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, indirectly addressing concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.

A Strong US-India Partnership for the Future

Modi’s outreach to the US tech community highlights India’s ambition to become a global technology powerhouse. The semiconductor pact, combined with Modi’s call for cooperation from US tech leaders, positions India as a crucial player in the future of global technology and supply chain resilience. While challenges remain, the groundwork is being laid for India’s growth in this strategically important industry.

As India looks to expand its tech footprint, these partnerships could be pivotal in shaping the country’s role in the global semiconductor market.