On December 13, 2024, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) organized a one-day workshop titled “Energizing Semiconductor Ecosystem to Make India Self-Reliant in IC Chip Manufacturing” at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. The event, aimed at discussing the crucial role of integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing technology, was chaired by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of IDS (Perspective Planning and Force Development).
Vice Admiral Vatsayan emphasized the need for an “Indian Defence Semiconductor Policy,” stating that India is poised for a transformative shift, driven by growing demand and supportive government policies.
The workshop served as a collaborative platform for experts from various departments of the Ministry of Defence, including DRDO, Services HQs, MEITY, academia, and the private sector. The discussions focused on India’s progress in semiconductor technology—from material fabrication to device manufacturing—and explored strategies for achieving self-reliance in the design, development, and production of IC chips for military applications.
IC chips are essential to modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and medical devices to military systems and critical infrastructure. In today’s global economy, developing domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities would significantly reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
The event also featured special addresses from prominent figures such as Dr. Meena Mishra, OS & Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory at DRDO, and Mr. Utpal Shah, Senior Vice President of Tata Electronics, who spoke on behalf of Dr. Randhir Thakur, MD & CEO of Tata Electronics.
