India's First National Security Semiconductor Fab: A Game-Changing Collaboration with the US

India is set to establish its first-ever national security semiconductor fabrication plant through a groundbreaking collaboration with the United States. Announced during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, this project marks a significant milestone in the India-US technology partnership. The leaders hailed it as a "watershed arrangement," akin to the landmark civil nuclear deal.

A Historic Partnership

This India-US collaboration is the first semiconductor fabrication venture focused on national security. The fab will produce advanced chips for use in military hardware, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications. It will specialize in manufacturing semiconductors based on infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide technologies.

Key Players in the Project

The fabrication plant will be supported by India's semiconductor mission and a strategic technology partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. It will be one of the world’s first multi-material fabs for national security, positioning India as a global player in semiconductor innovation.

Strengthening Semiconductor Supply Chains

In addition to the fab, GlobalFoundries (GF) has announced the creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center, further enhancing India’s role in building secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains. This development will support research and development efforts in chip manufacturing and solidify India’s place in the global semiconductor industry.

Expanding Global Cooperation

Beyond semiconductors, the US and India are working together on expanding next-generation telecommunications. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is investing $7 million to grow the Asia Open RAN Academy, which will focus on workforce training across South Asia, including India.

This collaboration promises to significantly boost India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, supporting the country’s growing demand for advanced technologies and reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and the US.

Courtesy by: Business-standard.