(Commonwealth _India) In a significant move toward enhancing national security and technological collaboration, India is set to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication plant through a transformative partnership with the United States. This ambitious initiative, announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in Wilmington, represents a major milestone in US-India relations, particularly in the realm of advanced technology.
Described as a “watershed arrangement” in a joint fact sheet released after the talks, this semiconductor project marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind between the two nations. Experts consider it a pivotal development, akin to the historic civil nuclear agreement, as it involves the US military partnering with India to advance highly sensitive technologies. The fabrication plant, referred to as “fab,” is expected to focus on producing advanced materials essential for military hardware and next-generation telecommunications. Specifically, it will manufacture semiconductors made from infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide, crucial for applications in national security, communication systems, and green energy solutions.
This initiative is backed by the India Semiconductor Mission and will be supported by a strategic technology partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. By positioning itself as one of the first multi-material fabs in the world dedicated to national security, India is taking significant steps to establish a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Moreover, the collaboration aims to build resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains. This was underscored by the acknowledgment of GlobalFoundries’ (GF) initiative to create the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata, further solidifying India’s role in the global semiconductor landscape.
Both leaders also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperative efforts in research and development for chip manufacturing. This includes initiatives to ensure secure supply chains for the automotive sector, exemplified by Ford Motor Company’s intention to utilize its Chennai facility for exporting vehicles to global markets. Additionally, the talks emphasized ongoing collaboration around the deployment of 5G technology and next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced plans to invest $7 million in expanding the Asia Open RAN Academy, aimed at workforce training initiatives across South Asia, including partnerships with Indian institutions.
This landmark semiconductor project not only strengthens the technological ties between India and the US but also reinforces both nations’ commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring national security through advanced technology. As these developments unfold, they signal a new era of cooperation that could have far-reaching implications for both countries and their strategic interests in the region.
