India to have 3 to 4 chip fab plants in next 5 years: IT Minister at PhonePe event

The Indian government plans to establish three to four semiconductor fabrication plants in the next five years, as the country prepares for the first indigenous chip roll-out in December. Union IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement at the launch of PhonePe’s native, Android-based Indus Appstore in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of advanced manufacturing and packaging in the next level of chip productivity.

Vaishnaw stated, “We will soon see at least three or three more approvals in fab and assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP).” This development aligns with India’s ambition to boost its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imported chips.

PhonePe’s Indus Appstore aims to create a more competitive and localised mobile app store economy for India, catering to over 2 lakh mobile apps and games in 45 categories. CEO and Founder, Sameer Nigam, emphasized the app’s potential to challenge the status quo and foster a more democratic digital ecosystem in India.

The move signifies a significant step towards self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing and a more vibrant digital marketplace in India. The government’s initiative to establish semiconductor fabrication plants reflects a strategic vision to enhance domestic chip production and reduce dependency on foreign technology.

The launch of PhonePe’s Indus Appstore and the government’s plan for semiconductor fabrication plants underscore the growing importance of indigenous technology development and self-sufficiency in the digital domain. This move holds promise for the future of India’s technological landscape and economic growth.