Washington/New Delhi
India and the US will jointly set up a new semiconductor fabrication plant. It has been named ‘Shakti’ by both countries. This is the first fab to be set up for national security. An agreement was signed by US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up this new semiconductor plant. This semiconductor plant will focus on advanced sensing, communication, power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications and green energy applications.
This fab unit is a partnership between Bharat Semiconductor, 3RDITECH and the US Space Force. The new semiconductor plant is likely to be set up in Uttar Pradesh and advanced sensing, communication, high-voltage power electronics under modern warfare will be the main focus areas of this plant. During the meeting, the two leaders also appreciated the joint efforts by GlobalFoundries (GF) to facilitate a robust, secure and sustainable semiconductor supply chain, including the construction of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata, which will enhance mutually beneficial ties in research and development in chip manufacturing.
GF is exploring long-term cross-border manufacturing and technology partnerships with India that will create high-quality jobs in both countries. The two countries also welcomed steps taken by industry to build safe, secure and robust supply chains for the US, Indian and international automotive markets, including Ford Motor Company’s submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to use its Chennai plant for exports from India to global markets. The semiconductor sector is receiving special attention from the Government of India. Currently, five semiconductor plants are under construction in India with an investment of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
