Historic India-US Semiconductor Fabrication Cooperation Becomes a Reality

Photo: Reuters
 

In a groundbreaking development, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have celebrated the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication plant aimed at enhancing national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications. This initiative marks a significant leap in technology collaboration between the two nations.

The planned semiconductor facility, known as a fab, will specialize in the manufacturing of advanced materials including infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors. It will be supported by the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

This announcement signifies the first-ever technology partnership of its kind between the US military and India for such critical technologies, making it a historic moment comparable to the civil nuclear agreement. The facility will not only be India’s inaugural national security fab but also one of the world’s pioneering multi-material fabs dedicated to national defense.

The Bharat Semi fab, named "Shakti," is particularly noteworthy as it stands out as one of the first of its kind within the Quad nations. It will focus on three essential pillars crucial for modern warfare: advanced sensing, advanced communications, and high-voltage power electronics. These technologies are increasingly important for commercial sectors such as railways, telecom infrastructure, data centers, and renewable energy.

The fab will concentrate on three main technological areas: infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of transforming India from a chip-taker to a chipmaker, reinforcing the country's aspiration to become a net security provider in the region.

To achieve this goal, India needs to establish itself as a net technology provider, a barrier that has now been overcome through this partnership. This moment in tech diplomacy is expected to be viewed in the future as a pivotal point in India-US relations.

Currently, India spends approximately $1 billion annually on semiconductor imports for national security. The collaboration between India and the US has resulted in numerous agreements focused on critical technology, particularly in the semiconductor sector. These agreements include the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and various Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

This semiconductor fab project marks a substantial advancement over previous collaborations, which mainly revolved around testing and assembly processes. By venturing into actual chip fabrication, this initiative aims to achieve the coveted goal of semiconductor manufacturing.

Once operational, this fab will position India among a select group of nations capable of producing these advanced semiconductors domestically, thereby reducing reliance on imports.

Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech exemplify the success of the iCET initiative and Prime Minister Modi's vision of self-reliance, or Atmanirbhar Bharat. Since the launch of iCET in January 2023, the journey toward establishing India's first compound semiconductor fab for national security has gained momentum.

This partnership is a historic milestone as Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech emerge as key players in the semiconductor landscape, marking the beginning of India's homegrown integrated design and manufacturing capabilities in this critical technology sector.