Sanand, 28 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology's Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, today, proclaiming that microchips will regulate this century just as oil dominated the last, with India poised to play a pivotal role on the world stage.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that the global message is clear: India is capable, India is competitive, India is committed. He highlighted Sanand's evolution from a single car factory to India's premier automobile hub, fostering a complete industrial ecosystem, supplier networks, local industries, jobs, and investments. People now flock here from across India and abroad, elevating this small town on the global map.
PM Modi expressed confidence that Sanand, which scripted success in automobiles, will author a new chapter in semiconductors. The plant already employs hundreds, with expansions promising more opportunities. This Micron facility exemplifies India's new ethos—from policy to production—evidenced by the project's MoU in June 2023 and commercial production by February 2026, a pace experts in the sector's complexities truly appreciate.
Praising Micron's leadership, Modi underscored the venture as proof of robust India-US collaboration, especially in AI and semiconductors. He noted the recent AI Summit showcased India's artificial intelligence prowess, while this event reaffirms commitment to technology leadership.
Long recognized for software, India is now carving a strong hardware identity, rapidly integrating into the global semiconductor value chain.
Recalling the Semiconductor Mission launched amid COVID-19, Modi highlighted this as its first approved project, with groundbreaking in September 2023 and over ₹22,500 crore investment. Construction began immediately post-approval, reflecting the government's resolve to accelerate strategic investments.
Fully operational, the Sanand ATP plant will offer nearly 500,000 square feet of cleanroom space—one of the world's largest raised-floor cleanrooms—converting advanced DRAM and NAND semiconductor wafers into finished memory and storage products. It targets surging global demand driven by AI and high-performance computing advances.
PM Modi stressed that nations seek resilient supply chains for emerging technologies, with India and the US—two major democracies—collaborating closely. Recent agreements will enhance security and reliability, particularly in critical minerals.
Reassuring global investors, PM Modi affirmed that central and state governments stand united with industry. India emerges as a reliable, competitive, committed partner, with this plant marking a key step toward a flexible, self-reliant technology ecosystem. It heralds India's first semiconductor memory module shipments made in the country, bolstering its position in the global value chain.
PM Modi envisioned India scaling new heights in semiconductors, with Sanand as the epicenter. This inauguration symbolizes not just a factory but India's technological self-reliance, global partnerships, and foundation for a future economy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
