The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) is working closely with the government to shape the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 2.0).
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the fifth India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) event, IESA Chairperson Navin Bishnoi revealed that the upcoming policy phase will pivot from a design-led focus to building a complete, self-sustaining manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystem.
Key Focus Areas for ISM 2.0
End-to-End Ecosystem: The broader goal is to design, manufacture, package, and assemble semiconductor products entirely within India for both domestic and global markets.
IP and Innovation: Funding will target Intellectual Property (IP) creation and product innovation alongside infrastructure layout.
Expanded Talent Pipeline: Workforce development will expand beyond chip designers to include graduates from engineering colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and diploma programs, with a heavy emphasis on AI integration.
Comprehensive Supply Chains: Beyond the chips themselves, the strategy addresses critical operational inputs, including specialized minerals, chemicals, gases, water, and air purification systems.
Current Progress and Plant Status
According to Bishnoi, India’s semiconductor manufacturing pipeline is accelerating:
| Milestone | Status / Timeline |
| Approved Facilities | More than 10 plants greenlit by the government so far |
| Active Production | Around 4 facilities have already commenced operations |
| Pipeline Status | Remaining plants span ground-breaking to advanced construction |
| Full Operational Outlook | Most approved facilities expected to hit the production line within the next 2 years |
Currently, India houses one logic fabrication plant alongside multiple Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) projects. Bishnoi noted that massive commercial opportunities remain untapped in specialty sectors like display fabs, silicon-germanium, silicon-carbide technologies, and power electronics.
Commercial Sustainability & Global Interdependence
Bishnoi cautioned that the long-term success of India's semiconductor ambitions hinges on creating a viable buyer-seller market independent of government incentives.
He also dispelled the notion of absolute self-reliance, noting that India will continue to depend on international partnerships for raw materials.
"No one country or one geography can own the complete supply chain of either the raw materials or the electronics and semiconductors," Bishnoi stated, emphasizing that securing sufficient designs and wafers will be the next major hurdle to feed India's upcoming production lines.
