AHMEDABAD: Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony here for three semiconductor facilities worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the country's determination to excel in this crucial industry.
"The country is eager to play a big role in the semiconductor sector and days are not far when it becomes a global power in this field," he said.
In his address following the virtual inauguration of three semiconductor facilities, two located in Gujarat and one in Assam, the Prime Minister stated, "Only a few countries in the world are manufacturing semiconductors today. Corona pandemic has shown us that the world desperately needs a stable and resilient support supply chain. India looks forward to playing a significant role in this.”
“India is already a nuclear, space, and digital powerhouse. In the future, we plan to commercialize semiconductor-related goods. India is on track to become a worldwide giant in this area as well. The country is eager to play a big role in the semiconductor sector and days are not far when it becomes a global power in this field,” said PM.
PM Modi took aim at the Congress, alleging that past administrations under its leadership had faltered in realizing India's semiconductor aspirations. He attributed this failure to a perceived inability to grasp the nation's potential, priorities, and future requirements, citing a lack of both determination and concerted action as contributing factors.
“India first considered semiconductor manufacturing in the 1960s. However, despite this idea and thought, the governments of the time were unable to capitalize on these chances. These were the main reasons for this. Lack of will, failure to put one's resolutions into action, and inability to make major decisions for the country. As a result, India's aim of producing semiconductors went unfulfilled for many years,” he said.
“Those who worked in the government during those decades also believed that there was no need to rush; everything will happen when the time come. Governments reasoned that since this is a future requirement, why address it now?”
“Disguised by India's economic challenges, they persistently overlooked essential investments in modern necessities. While embroiled in scams worth thousands of crores, they failed to allocate funds for semiconductor manufacturing. Such a mindset inhibits a nation's growth. Consequently, our government adopts a forward-looking, visionary stance,” PM said.
The Prime Minister also praised the youth of India for proactively disseminating his message across the nation in diverse Indian languages.
“The youth of India are capable and they need an opportunity. The Semiconductor initiative has brought that opportunity to India today”, he said.