India is aggressively pursuing collaborations to bolster its semiconductor and critical technology sectors, aiming to become a key player in the global supply chain. Recent geopolitical developments have further emphasized the importance of these partnerships, driving increased cooperation with like-minded countries that share values of democracy, international rule of law, and free trade.
One significant development is the strategic partnership between Japanese semiconductor leader ROHM Co., Ltd., and Indian electronics powerhouse Tata Electronics. Announced on December 23, 2025, this alliance focuses on strengthening semiconductor manufacturing in India, targeting both domestic demand and export markets. The initial focus will be on establishing a manufacturing framework for power semiconductors, essential components in the automotive, industrial systems, and consumer electronics industries. Tata Electronics will begin the assembly and testing of ROHM's India-designed automotive-grade N-channel silicon MOSFETs, with mass production shipments targeted for 2026. This collaboration aligns with the Indian government's "Make in India" and "Designed in India, Manufactured in India" initiatives.
Tata Electronics, under the guidance of N Chandrasekaran, has been actively forging strategic partnerships to create India's first large-scale homegrown semiconductor manufacturing platform. This includes a mega semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, in partnership with PSMC, and a greenfield semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. These projects represent a substantial investment and demonstrate India's commitment to mastering semiconductor fabrication and assembly. The facility in Gujarat, developed in collaboration with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), will produce mature-node chips for various sectors, including automotive electronics and telecommunications. The assembly and test facility in Assam will handle advanced packaging and testing, completing a critical link in the semiconductor value chain.
Recognizing that no country can be entirely self-reliant in all stages of semiconductor manufacturing, India is focusing on strategic redundancy and building complementary production nodes with democratic allies. The US-India semiconductor partnership, formalized through initiatives like the Bharat Semi-US Space Force fabrication plant, serves as a template for this approach. This collaboration leverages India's engineering talent, cost-competitive manufacturing environment, and the India Semiconductor Mission to create a trusted production alternative.
India's strategy involves focusing on mature technologies and back-end manufacturing, which are critical for supply chain resilience. This includes expanding its presence in semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) and attracting fabs producing legacy semiconductors. By focusing on these areas, India can realistically achieve near-term gains and contribute to a more diversified and resilient global semiconductor supply chain. India's National Critical Mineral Stockpile, announced in October 2025, also addresses supply chain vulnerabilities by securing critical minerals for compound semiconductors.
The global semiconductor market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, with India's market expected to reach $100–110 billion. By fostering greater cooperation in semiconductors and critical technologies, India aims to capitalize on this growth and establish itself as a major manufacturing hub, reducing its reliance on imports and enhancing its economic and strategic position. The partnerships and initiatives underway signal a clear direction for India's semiconductor ambitions and its commitment to becoming a significant player in the global technology landscape.
