PM pitches India as a 'trusted partner' to make microchips

Prime Minister says India understands the needs of the global supply chain

- Maulik Pathak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pitched India as a "trusted partner" to make microchips as he cited the country's democratic credentials to a gathering of the industry's bigwigs, a strong push that comes at a time of growing concerns over semiconductor supply chains, especially those that can be influenced by China.

Modi was speaking at the Semicon India conference in Gandhinagar, when he said the government will prioritise the semiconductor industry as one of the centrepieces of its economic policy.

"Today, India realises that semiconductors are not just our need. The world too needs a trusted, reliable chip supply chain today. Who else but the world's greatest democracy can be entrusted with this role," said Modi, in an apparent reference to apprehensions among several countries about China.

He added that the government was working with partner countries for a road map, and added that investors trust India because it has a "stable, responsible, and a reform-oriented government".