India Seeks Domestic Semiconductor Tools to Reduce Foreign Dependence
Kamaljeet Singh urges India to build a domestic semiconductor value chain and reduce reliance on U.S. design tools to ensure technological sovereignty.
Director-General of the Semiconductor Laboratory Kamaljeet Singh called for India to develop domestic capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain to decrease reliance on foreign technology. Speaking at the Semiconductor Summit 2026, Singh specifically highlighted the dependency on U.S.-based electronic design automation tools, noting that these dependencies persist despite India's strong foundation in chip design.
To address these gaps, Singh advocated for increased investment in research and development, manufacturing infrastructure, and specialized skills. He noted that the Government of India has already committed 76,000 crore rupees to 12 approved projects under the India Semiconductor Mission 1.0.
International cooperation remains a key component of the strategy. German Consul-General Michael Hasper referenced a January 2026 joint declaration of intent between India and Germany aimed at encouraging investment in supply chains, power semiconductors, and chip design. Meanwhile, C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice-Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, warned that India must train approximately 300,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030 to bridge the gap between its domestic market and its current reliance on imports.
