India and Intel: Powering the Nation’s Semiconductor Ambitions

India is rapidly boosting its semiconductor capabilities, with Intel playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Through strategic investments and partnerships, India is moving closer to becoming a significant player in global chip manufacturing.

Intel’s Strategic Investment in India’s Chip Ecosystem

Intel is a key backer of one of India’s latest semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission, a government initiative with a ₹76,000 crore budget to promote domestic chip manufacturing. The centerpiece is a cutting-edge 3D Glass Semiconductor Packaging Unit located in Odisha, to be developed by Heterogenous Integration Packaging Solutions Pvt Ltd.

This marks Intel’s first major semiconductor packaging project in India, backed by an investment of ₹1,943 crore (approximately $235 million USD). The facility aims for an annual production capacity of 5 crore units and is also supported by industry leaders Lockheed Martin and Applied Materials.

Why This Matters

Boost to Local Manufacturing: This initiative helps India expand its capabilities beyond chip design into actual manufacturing and advanced packaging.
Strategic Independence: By developing domestic production, India reduces dependence on foreign semiconductor fabs, aligning with the ambition of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Global Confidence: Intel’s involvement signals strong belief in India’s rising prominence as a semiconductor hub.

Looking Ahead: Semicon India 2025 and Beyond

India is set to host Semicon India 2025, a significant global semiconductor summit featuring participation from key countries such as Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. Intel’s active presence at the event is expected to deepen collaborations and explore new research and manufacturing opportunities, further fueling India’s semiconductor ambitions.