India to Establish Its First National Security Semiconductor Fabrication Plant

India will establish a national security semiconductor fabrication plant in collaboration with the US, aimed at producing chips for military and next-generation telecommunications. The project was announced after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Wilmington on Saturday.

According to a joint fact sheet, the leaders described the semiconductor initiative as a significant agreement. This partnership marks the first time the US military will collaborate with India on advanced semiconductor technologies, drawing parallels to the civil nuclear deal.

The planned facility will focus on manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors, supported by India’s semiconductor mission and a strategic partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. This will make it one of the world's first multi-material fabs for national security.

The fact sheet also highlighted efforts to create resilient and secure semiconductor supply chains, including GlobalFoundries' establishment of the GF Kolkata Power Center. The project aims to strengthen research and development linkages in chip manufacturing.

Furthermore, Modi and Biden acknowledged steps taken by industries to ensure safe supply chains for automotive markets, including Ford’s plans to use its Chennai plant for exports. They also welcomed ongoing collaborations in 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications, supported by a US Agency for International Development initiative to enhance workforce training in South Asia.