Archive · 18 Aug 2026
India's Semiconductor Expansion: 5-6 Projects Expected by End of 2026
India is a country that wants to make more computer chips.
Computer chips are the tiny brains inside phones, cars, and video games.
Right now, India mostly designs chips but wants to build more of them.
A government official named S Krishnan told reporters that five or six chip-making projects could be working by the end of 2026.
These projects are being supported by a government program.
That program is getting a new version called ISM 2.0.
The new program will help train workers and support new kinds of chips.
India's leader, Narendra Modi, will open a big technology meeting called Semicon India 2026 on September 17, 2026.
People from more than 40 countries and over 240 companies are expected to come.
India hopes to make and sell many more chips in the future.
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said five to six semiconductor projects are likely to be in commercial production by the end of 2026.
The Union Cabinet approved ISM 2.0, the next phase of India's semiconductor programme, covering design, manufacturing, packaging, equipment, materials, R&D and talent development.
Three major semiconductor projects approved under ISM 1.0 have entered commercial production, with the first inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28.
Semicon India 2026, the fifth edition of the event, will be inaugurated by PM Modi on September 17, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.
India's domestic semiconductor demand is expected to double to around $200 billion from $100 billion, according to Krishnan.
- Who
- MeitY Secretary S Krishnan announced plans, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Semicon India 2026.
- What
- India's semiconductor ecosystem is set to expand, with 5-6 projects likely in commercial production by end of 2026 and the new ISM 2.0 programme approved.
- When
- Announced on Tuesday, with Semicon India 2026 set for September 17, 2026, and projects targeted by the end of 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre).
- Why
- To demonstrate the on-ground success of ISM 1.0, strengthen India's credibility as a global semiconductor destination, and boost manufacturing, R&D and talent.
Support for Expansion
Cautious on Delivery
Project timelines
Support for Expansion
Five to six projects entering commercial production by end of 2026 demonstrates the actual on-ground success of ISM 1.0.
Cautious on Delivery
The article only states a likelihood of five to six projects by the deadline, leaving room for delay or shortfall.
Workforce readiness
Support for Expansion
Training skilled manpower for manufacturing could meet India's needs and supply skilled talent to global markets.
Cautious on Delivery
India has a substantial design workforce but only about 20% in manufacturing, so workforce gaps remain a challenge.
- Key figure
- MeitY Secretary S Krishnan
- Target
- 5-6 semiconductor projects in commercial production by end of 2026
- New programme
- ISM 2.0 approved by the Union Cabinet
- Projects in production
- Three major projects under ISM 1.0, first inaugurated on February 28
- Event
- Semicon India 2026 (5th edition), inaugurated September 17, 2026
- Venue
- Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
- Expected attendees
- 240+ international companies, 150+ speakers, delegations from 40+ countries
- Domestic demand
- Expected to double to around $200 billion from $100 billion