Charting India's Path to Global Leadership
Highlights from SEMICON India 2024, Asia-Pacific Aviation Conference, and INDUS-X Summit
Spotlight
Ritesh Kumar
In a rapidly evolving world, India's strategic advancements across critical sectors are drawing global attention. From SEMICON India 2024's focus on semiconductor manufacturing to the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation's transformative policies, and the third INDUS-X Summit's defence innovation breakthroughs, these events mark India's assertive strides on the global stage. Each of these events encapsulates India's ambition to not only bolster its domestic capabilities but also contribute to global resilience. This article explores the key outcomes and long-term significance of these three landmark events, each reinforcing India's growing influence in technology, aviation, and defence ecosystems worldwide.
Turning the Chip Game: A Blueprint for Global Supply Chain Resilience
SEMICON India 2024, held in Greater Noida, has emerged as a pivotal moment in India's journey towards becoming a global semiconductor power-house. The summit underscored India's ambitions to strengthen its domestic chip-making capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and create a robust, self-sufficient semi-conductor ecosystem. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, showcased how India is positioning itself as a vital player in the global supply chain, while also fostering employment and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
Importance of Semi-conductors for India's Self-Reliance
At the heart of India's semiconductor ambition is its larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Semiconductors, the tiny chips that power everything from smartphones to defence systems, are critical for a nation aspiring to become a global technology leader. As Shri Modi eloquently stated during the event, "In the 21st-century Bharat, the chips are never down! Today's Bharat assures the world-when the chips are down, you can bet on India!"
This focus on boosting semiconductor production aligns with India's national security and economic priorities. By establishing domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, India aims to safeguard its technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on international suppliers. This effort is crucial for building a resilient tech ecosystem that can withstand global supply chain disruptions.
Creating a New Wave of Employment Opportunities
The semiconductor industry is not just about technological advancement- it is also a major driver of job creation. As India's semiconductor landscape evolves, new factories, research centers, and innovation hubs are being set up, providing high-paying jobs across various domains. The PM, in his speech, highlighted the government's efforts to build a skilled workforce, stating, "We are preparing an 85,000-strong semiconductor workforce of technicians, engineers, and R&D experts." This workforce will not only cater to domestic industries but also contribute to global semiconductor needs.
India's booming electronics market is also poised to grow exponentially, with the Prime Minister setting an ambitious goal of tripling electronics manufacturing to $500 billion in six years. The creation of new jobs in electronics manufacturing, chip design, materials science, and data analytics will give India's talented engineers and innovators a chance to contribute to a dynamic and high-tech industry.
Attracting Global Investment
A key outcome of SEMICON India 2024 was the attraction of significant global investments. Major semiconductor companies from the U.S., Japan, and Europe, including NXP Semi-conductors, Nvidia, and AMD, pledged to expand their operations in India. For instance, NXP Semiconductors committed over $1 billion to double its research and development efforts in the country. Similarly, Micron Technology announced a $2.7 billion testing and packaging unit in Gujarat, which is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs.
These investments are a testament to India's potential as a high-tech manufacturing destination and underscore the international community's confidence in India's semiconductor ambitions. PM Modi's government has allocated $10 billion in incentives to attract semi-conductor manufacturers, aiming to rival global chipmaking giants like Taiwan.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain
India's emergence as a global semiconductor hub is also crucial for building supply chain resilience. With global industries grappling with supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, India is well-positioned to provide an alternative supply source. As part of this effort, India has been chosen as the vice chair of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework's Supply Chain Council and is actively collaborating with countries such as Japan, Singapore, and the U.S.
Shri Modi emphasised India's role in the evolving semiconductor landscape, stating that India will soon become a trusted global partner for supplying critical chips. "Our dream is that every device in the world will have an Indian-made chip," he said, reflecting the government's aspiration to establish India as a key player in the global supply chain.
Technological Advancements and Strategic Collaborations
India's foray into advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, 5G, and quantum computing is accelerating, and the development of cutting-edge semiconductor technology is essential for these fields. SEMICON India 2024 fostered several strategic partnerships between global semiconductor giants and Indian companies, setting the stage for India to lead in these emerging technologies.
These collaborations also serve as platforms for knowledge transfer, skill development, and innovation. With new research centers and innovation hubs being set up, India's semiconductor eco-system is rapidly evolving to meet both domestic and international demand.
The Road Ahead
With over Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in investments, including five new semiconductor projects, India is poised to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem that will cater to global needs.The success of this summit lies not only in the discussions and investments but also in the tangible actions taken by both the government and industry leaders. The construction of semiconductor plants in states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam is already underway, and India's semiconductor strategy is entering Phase 2.0, focusing on scaling up operations and introducing specialised materials to bolster the industry further.
As Shri Modi aptly put it, "India's semiconductor eco-system is a solution not just for India's challenges but also for global challenges." With a growing workforce, increased foreign investment, and a clear vision for the future, India is well on its way to becoming a trusted global semiconductor hub-one chip at a time.
2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
Delhi Declaration: Paving the Way for India's Aviation Future and Regional Leadership
The adoption of the Delhi Declaration at the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation marks a pivotal moment for India and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This comprehensive framework seeks to enhance regional cooperation, address emerging challenges, and set the stage for sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector. Hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in collaboration with the Inter-national Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event brought together ministers, policy makers, and aviation leaders from 29 countries, along with 8 international organisations. India's growing influence in the global aviation sector was on full display, as the country showcased its ambitious goals and its commitment to fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and regional integration.
What it Means for India
The Delhi Declaration reflects India's vision of positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation landscape. By adopting this framework, India is committing to an active role in shaping the future of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The declaration underscores a collaborative approach, where nations work together to strengthen aviation infrastructure, enhance safety and security, address environmental concerns, and promote gender inclusion in the sector.
For India, the implications are significant. The country is not only set to expand its aviation infrastructure with plans for 350-400 airports by 2047, but also aims to become a leader in green aviation and sustainable practices. The Delhi Declaration emphasises India's focus on inclusive growth, ensuring that aviation's benefits reach all segments of society, while also fostering regional connectivity that can spur economic growth and cultural exchange.
India's Aviation Transformation: From Exclusive to Inclusive
In his address at the conference, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India's aviation journey over the last decade. From being an "aviation exclusive" country, where air travel was seen as a luxury for a select few, India has transformed into an "aviation inclusive" nation. This shift is evident in the rapid expansion of the aviation sector, with a significant rise in domestic and international air traffic, the proliferation of low-cost carriers, and infrastructure upgrades across the country.
A noteworthy achievement is India's increasing gender inclusivity in the aviation sector. Currently, 15% of India's pilots are women, far surpassing the global average of 5%. The Prime Minister emphasised this progress and shared the government's intention to further increase the participation of women in aviation through policy support and advisory measures. This inclusivity not only reflects India's commitment to equal opportunity but also positions the country as a model for gender diversity in aviation on the global stage.
International Buddhist Circuit: Connecting People and Prosperity
One of the most innovative and forward-looking proposals from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the conference was the creation of an International Buddhist Circuit. This concept aims to connect holy Buddhist sites across Asia, benefiting travellers, the civil aviation sector, and the economies of the participating countries. India, with its rich Buddhist heritage and historic sites such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath, can play a central role in this initiative.
The Buddhist Circuit has the potential to not only boost tourism but also foster cultural exchange and cooperation among Asian countries. It aligns perfectly with the broader goal of regional integration through travel and tourism, connecting people and economies while promoting a shared cultural heritage. For India, this initiative could provide a significant boost to its tourism sector, strengthen diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries, and position the country as a hub for religious tourism.
Sustainability and Green Aviation
A key theme of the Delhi Declaration and the conference as a whole was sustainability. As the aviation sector continues to grow, addressing its environmental impact has become increasingly important. Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India's commitment to sustainability, evidenced by initiatives such as the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign, which saw the planting of 80,000 saplings to commemorate ICAO's 80th anniversary. This symbolic gesture reflects India's broader environmental goals and its commitment to reducing the aviation sector's carbon footprint.
India's vision for green aviation includes the adoption of new technologies and practices that reduce emissions, enhance fuel efficiency, and promote the use of alternative fuels. As the global aviation sector moves toward a greener future, India is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable aviation practices, working closely with international organisations like ICAO to achieve these goals.
India's Role in Regional and Global Aviation
The Delhi Declaration not only cements India's leadership in regional aviation but also underscores its global ambitions. During the conference, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, praised India's commitment to enhancing aviation safety and security, emphasising the importance of not becoming complacent in the face of positive statistics. Safety, security, and infrastructure development were key topics of discussion throughout the conference, with the adoption of policies that will help the region meet its growing aviation demands.
India's role as a global leader was also evident in its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country led vaccine distribution across Asia and the Pacific, exemplifying its commitment to the ICAO's principle of 'One World, One Planet, One Future, One Family.' India's active participation in global collaborative efforts, particularly during times of crisis, further strengthens its position as a responsible and forward-thinking nation in the international aviation community.
A Vision for 2047
Looking ahead to 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, the nation has set ambitious goals for its aviation sector. The Delhi Declaration will serve as a guiding framework for achieving these targets, including the development of 350-400 airports, the promotion of green aviation, and the creation of inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities. The government's vision is clear: India will be a key player in the global aviation sector, not just in terms of infrastructure and technology but also in its commitment to safety, security, and sustainability.
Third INDUS-X Summit
India and U.S. Strengthen Defence Innovation Ties at INDUS-X Summit
In a significant step towards enhancing defence collaboration, the third edition of the INDUS-X Summit concluded in California, marking a major milestone in the creation of a joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the United States. Co-organised by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, the summit was held on 9th to 10th September, 2024, and saw key advancements in defence technology cooperation between the two nations.
A key highlight of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the U.S. Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), a division of the U.S. Department of Defence. This agreement aims to deepen cooperation in defence innovation, facilitating partnerships in industry, research, and investment. It also signals a growing focus on the development of next-generation technologies through joint collaboration.
Advancing the Defence Innovation Ecosystem
The INDUS-X Summit, launched in June 2023 during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, is an initiative to foster innovation in defence technology through collaboration between India and the U.S. Since its inception, INDUS-X has achieved several significant milestones, including the creation of an official platform for start-ups and MSMEs to showcase their cutting-edge technologies.
The summit included the announcement of a new INDUS-X Challenge, the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report, and the launch of a dedicated webpage on the iDEX and DIU websites. These steps are expected to strengthen the defence supply chain, create more opportunities for funding defence innovations, and build the capacity of Indian start-ups to scale their solutions for global defence challenges.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
For India, the collaboration with the U.S. through INDUS-X is not only a pathway to technological advancement but also a means to bolster its national defence capabilities. The MoU signed between iDEX and DIU signifies deeper cooperation in research, industry, and investments, ensuring that Indian start-ups, MSMEs, and the broader defence ecosystem can access critical funding, expertise, and markets to develop advanced solutions.
This collaboration enhances India's push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence by encouraging indigenous innovation while also allowing Indian companies to enter the global defence supply chain. Through joint research, innovation, and the exchange of technologies, the partnership is expected to modernise India's defence forces and enhance strategic autonomy.
Joint Secretary of Defence Industries Promotion, Shri Amit Satija, who led the Indian delegation, reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing defence technology through innovation and strategic collaboration, stating that the summit reflects the deepening partnership between the two countries. By nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem, the INDUS-X Summit ensures that India and the US remain at the forefront of the latest defence technologies.
The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit has set the stage for further advancements in India-U.S. defence cooperation. With the foundation of strong industry partnerships, joint challenges, and a focus on cutting-edge technologies, the initiative will likely shape the future of defence innovation in both nations.
By strengthening supply chains, funding opportunities, and capacity building, India is poised to become a hub for defence innovation and a key player in global defence markets. The success of INDUS-X underscores the growing strategic ties between India and the U.S. and highlights their shared commitment to leveraging innovation for mutual security and technological advancement.
(The author is a Delhi-based correspondent of an international multi-media platform. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com.
Views expressed are personal.