"Digital Diamonds of the 21st Century” Says PM Modi on Being Presented 'Vikram' The First Made-in-Bharat Chip By Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

India marked a milestone in its technology roadmap at Semicon India 2025, where Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the nation’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, Vikram, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The launch signals a strong push toward reducing reliance on imported chips and building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

Vikram - First ‘Made in Bharat’ Chip

Developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, the Vikram processor is designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space launch vehicles. Its unveiling was accompanied by test chips from four other government-approved semiconductor projects. 

While addressing the Semicon India 2025, Minister Vaishnaw said, "Just a few years ago, we met for the first time to make a new beginning driven by our Prime Minister's farsighted vision, we launched the India Semiconductor mission”

He further added, “In a short span of 3.5 years, we have the world looking at India with confidence. Today, the construction of five Semiconductor units is going on at a rapid pace"

Union Minister Vaishnaw also announced that five semiconductor units are currently under construction across the country, with one pilot line already completed and two more expected to begin production soon.

These efforts are part of a larger strategy to create a resilient supply chain and ensure India can meet both domestic and international demand. 

By investing in end-to-end semiconductor development, the country is positioning itself as more than just a hub for chip design and is moving toward full-scale manufacturing capability.

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India’s Role in the Global Chip Market

At the event, Prime Minister Modi received the first made-in-India chip and described semiconductors as the “digital diamonds” of the 21st century. He emphasized that even the smallest chip developed in India has the potential to spark global change.

India’s semiconductor market, currently valued at around 45 to 50 billion dollars, is projected to more than double by 2030, reaching over 100 billion dollars. The country also accounts for nearly 20 percent of the world’s chip design engineers, underscoring its strength in talent and innovation. 

Industry leaders at the event noted that India is increasingly seen as a trusted partner in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The unveiling of the Vikram chip is more than a technological achievement. Backed by domestic innovation, growing infrastructure, and international recognition, India is carving out its place as a credible and influential player in the global semiconductor industry.

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