Reliance eyes partners for chipmaking foray

The move could address co's needs and cater to growing demand in India

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Reliance Industries Ltd has begun exploring a foray into semiconductor manufacturing, a move that could address its R supply chain needs and cater to growing chip demand in India, two people familiar with its strategy said.

The telecoms-to-energy conglomerate has held early-stage talks with foreign chipmakers that have the potential to become technology partners, said one of the people who has direct knowledge of the plans.

"There is intent, there is no timeline," said the person, adding that Reliance has "yet to make a call on whether they want to ultimately invest." The names of the foreign chipmakers could not be immediately learned.

The sources were not authorized to speak to media and declined to be identified. Reliance, whose interest in making semiconductors has not been previously reported, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.