On the second day of SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, a total of 25 memoranda of understanding and partnership announcements were formalised spanning semiconductor materials, manufacturing, power electronics, advanced packaging, logistics, design, and workforce development, collectively broadening the country's presence across the semiconductor value chain. The programmes, bringing together domestic and international ecosystem participants, spanned the sourcing of essential materials, home-grown Silicon Carbide power technologies, semiconductor design tools, deep-technology investment, specialised logistics and talent development. Convened under the auspices of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the forum drew together government officials, semiconductor executives, industry representatives, researchers, entrepreneurs, academics and students to examine topics spanning fabrication, supply networks, R&D, international collaboration, chip architecture, advanced packaging, raw materials and workforce development, underscoring the country's ambitions to build an integrated, globally competitive technology ecosystem stretching from silicon components to complete systems. During a fireside discussion, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who holds the ministerial portfolios of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, and Information and Broadcasting, noted that the country's semiconductor programme had advanced beyond demonstrating commitment toward large-scale implementation. The updated framework, he explained, would advance upon ISM 1.0's groundwork across six key areas: design, machinery and materials, expanded fabrication facilities, a stronger ATMP/OSAT sector, research and development, and talent cultivation. According to the minister, ISM 1.0 — initially planned as a six-year initiative — met its targets within four years. He anticipated that ISM 2.0 would likewise finish ahead of its projected timeline, supported by expanding interest from investors. Pointing to design as a foundational area of strength for the country's technology sector, Vaishnaw projected that ISM 2.0 could foster the growth of around 200 chip design firms, characterising the initiative as transformative for cultivating domestically developed semiconductor intellectual property. Over 105 semiconductor design startups have received access to advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, and 20 of those companies have gone on to attract venture capital investment. According to the press release, approximately 70,000 engineers specialising in chip design had completed training over a four-year period, falling short of the 85,000 target. Five of the 12 factories approved under ISM 1.0 are now in commercial operation, the minister noted, adding that both product quality and pricing competitiveness are necessary for success in international markets. He further pointed to India's standing as a dependable partner and its established track record on intellectual property safeguards. Vaishnaw pointed to broad domestic and international interest in SEMICON India 2026, noting wide-ranging business-to-business activity and representation from leading semiconductor-producing nations. The Country Roundtables reflected a rising appetite among international corporations to deepen their involvement with India, he noted. The minister further drew attention to the country's shift away from design services toward establishing itself as a "Product Nation," with domestically developed chips finding their way into finished goods at a growing rate. Among the priorities he outlined for building a thriving semiconductor sector were manufacturing equipment, raw materials, specialised supply chains, environmental practices including water recycling, and a workforce prepared for industry demands. Misri noted that stable semiconductor supply networks depend on dependable international cooperation. Trustworthiness, credibility, incentives, and value generation were identified as foundational elements of partnership, alongside an appeal for an equilibrium between domestic capacity and international engagement.
