The announcement to set up a new India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) as part of the Union Budget for 26-27 is far more than simply an announcement of a political policy — it is the turning point in India’s semiconductor history. This is the first time that India is clearly delineating a clear path to developing our own technological sovereignty in the semiconductor space, rather than simply talking about participating in a semiconductor value chain via attracting other countries to invest in us. By establishing a ₹1,000 crore provision for FY 26-27 under ISM 2.0 and additionally releasing an aggregate of ₹8,000 crore under the Modified Programme For Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing; Government has stated that the ability to develop semiconductors has now become a National Priority, not just an Industry Priority. In this regard, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) deserves significant credit. Over the past decade, ICEA has played a catalytic role in shaping India’s electronics and semiconductor narrative, from driving large-scale mobile manufacturing to advocating production-linked incentives and supply chain localization. Its data-driven policy recommendations, continuous engagement with global semiconductor stakeholders, and persistent push for component ecosystem development have helped translate ambition into executable frameworks.
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