L'Inde approuve un plan de semiconducteurs de 13 milliards de dollars américains

India’s Union Cabinet has formally approved a landmark US$13 billion semiconductor initiative designed to bolster domestic chip manufacturing and position the country as a major player in the global electronics sector. The move, announced on July 15, marks a significant escalation in India’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign semiconductors and build a self-reliant technology industry. The program, dubbed “Semicon 2.0,” expands upon an earlier initiative launched in 2021 known as “Semicon 1.0,” which provided incentives covering up to half the cost of establishing chip manufacturing projects. The approval follows a period of rapid growth in India’s semiconductor market, which expanded from approximately US$38 billion in 2023 to an estimated US$45–50 billion in 2024–25. Officials have set an ambitious target of reaching a market value of US$100–110 billion by 2030. This new funding aims to catalyze further expansion by supporting both the development of critical raw materials and the establishment of advanced fabrication facilities within the country. The Semicon 2.0 program emphasizes sustained, long-term financial backing for the semiconductor industry, according to a statement released by the Union Cabinet. While specific allocation details were not disclosed, the initiative is expected to provide substantial subsidies and tax benefits to companies investing in chip manufacturing. The government hopes this will attract global players to set up operations in India, thereby creating jobs and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported semiconductors. Under the previous Semicon 1.0 framework, 12 manufacturing projects were initiated across various stages of semiconductor production, including fabrication, packaging, and testing. At least three of these projects have already begun commercial operations. One notable example is a semiconductor assembly and test facility operated by Micron Technology, a leading U.S.-based memory manufacturer. These early successes have demonstrated the potential of India’s semiconductor sector and laid the groundwork for larger-scale investments under the new plan. The decision aligns with broader global trends as nations seek to secure their semiconductor supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of pandemic-related disruptions. Countries such as the United States, China, and members of the European Union have all intensified efforts to localize chip production, recognizing the strategic importance of controlling this vital component of modern technology. India’s push into semiconductor manufacturing is part of its broader economic strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in critical technologies. The government has been promoting policies aimed at making the country a hub for electronics manufacturing, including tax breaks, infrastructure development, and partnerships with international firms. The success of initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in other sectors has provided a model for incentivizing domestic production in the semiconductor industry. Industry experts suggest that the new funding could help India overcome some of the challenges it faces in building a robust semiconductor ecosystem. These include high initial capital costs, the need for specialized technical expertise, and competition from established manufacturing centers in Asia. However, the government believes that with continued investment and policy support, India can emerge as a competitive player in the global semiconductor landscape. The Union Cabinet’s statement highlighted the importance of placing India “on the semiconductor map of the world.” It emphasized that the initiative would not only strengthen the local supply chain but also contribute to national security by reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. As the program moves forward, officials are expected to release detailed implementation plans, including timelines, eligibility criteria, and specific areas of focus for the allocated funds.