Semiconductor production crucial for India's future growth: Expert
Mumbai, May 29
Stressing the strategic importance of semiconductor manufacturing and related technologies, Padma Shri awardee Prof. Juzer Vasi said on Friday that semiconductors play a critical role not only in chip production but also across consumer electronics, defence systems, space technology and several other sectors vital to India's growth and self-reliance.
Speaking to IANS after being honoured with the Padma Shri in the field of Science and Engineering, Prof. Vasi said he was deeply honoured and surprised to receive the award.
He noted that his work over the years has largely focused on semiconductors and solar energy, both of which he described as essential for India's long-term development.
"Semiconductors drive a wide range of activities, not only in the core area of chips but also in broader consumer electronics and other electronic sectors," he said.
"So, the production of semiconductor chips and related technologies is very important," he added.
Highlighting the strategic significance of semiconductors, Prof. Vasi said defence electronics and space applications heavily depend on specialised semiconductor devices, many of which are not readily available in the open market.
Recalling his early years of research, he said his team had worked on radiation effects on semiconductor devices for space applications, underlining the need for indigenous research and development capabilities.
"Those chips were not available in the open market, so it was necessary for India to pursue its own research," he said.
Prof. Vasi further emphasised that semiconductor production is vital even in wartime situations because critical defence electronics rely on such technologies. He said India must continue investing in research, innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the semiconductor sector to strengthen technological independence and support future economic growth.
"So, semiconductors are important, of course, even in wartime situations, in the sense that almost all defence electronics require semiconductors. Some of these components are not easily available in the open market. I will mention one example: in my early research years, we worked on radiation effects on semiconductor devices, which is very important for space applications. Again, those chips were not available in the open market, so it was necessary for India to pursue its own research. This is true in many aspects of semiconductors," he told IANS.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Makes sense from a strategic standpoint. But I wonder if India has the manufacturing ecosystem to compete? Even Taiwan, with decades of experience, is struggling to keep up with demand. Setting up fabs is insanely capital-intensive. Still, with the right policies and global partnerships, it's possible. The future is definitely in semiconductors.
As someone working in embedded systems, I can't stress this enough! Every time we design a new product, we feel the pinch of chip shortages. But it's not just about making chips—we also need to train our engineers in advanced VLSI design. NITs and IITs are doing their bit, but we need more industry-academia collaboration like Prof. Vasi's work. Baaki sab sahi hai, but execution-ka game strong rakhna hain! 💪
I respect the professor's expertise, but let's be honest—India has been talking about semiconductor self-reliance for 20+ years. Every budget speech mentions it, yet where are our fabs? The government should create better incentives, not just tax breaks. We need a Silicon Valley-style ecosystem with risk capital, not red tape. Just my two paise on this.
Interesting article! I've read about India's progress in space tech, and it's clear that indigenous chip design will be critical. But I hope the push for self-reliance doesn't mean closing doors to global collaboration. We learned from the pandemic that no country can be truly self-sufficient in semiconductors. It's about having smart partnerships and strategic reserves too.
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