India and US have recently signed an agreement to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant, marking the first partnership of its kind between the US Military and India on highly valued technology.
Highlights of the Agreement:
Semiconductor Fabrication Plant “Shakti”
- First of Its Kind:
- India’s Milestone: Shakti will be India’s first and the world’s first multi-material fabrication (fab) plant dedicated to national security.
- Quad Collaboration: It is one of the first fabs of its kind within the QUAD, which includes Japan and Australia.
- US Military Partnership: Marks the first instance where the US Military has entered into a technology partnership with India on highly valued technologies.
- Focus Areas:
- Advanced Sensing: Enhancing capabilities in detecting and monitoring critical parameters for defense and security.
- Advanced Communications: Developing next-generation communication technologies essential for modern warfare and secure information exchange.
- High Voltage Power Electronics: Innovating power management systems crucial for both military applications and commercial sectors.
- Manufactured Semiconductors:
- Infrared Semiconductors: Used in thermal imaging and night-vision systems.
- Gallium Nitride (GaN): Essential for high-efficiency power electronics and telecommunications.
- Silicon Carbide (SiC): Vital for high-power applications and improving energy efficiency.
- Support and Partnerships:
- India Semiconductor Mission: Provides strategic support for the establishment and operation of the fab.
- Strategic Technology Partnership: Collaboration between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.
Significance of the Semiconductor Fabrication Plant:
Strategic Shift
- From Chip Taker to Chip Maker:
- National Security Boost: Enhances India’s self-reliance in critical technologies, reducing dependence on imports.
- Global Supply Chain Positioning: Establishes India as a stable and trusted partner in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reducing Dependence on Imports
- Current Import Scenario: Annual Imports: India imports approximately USD 1 billion worth of semiconductors annually for national security purposes.
- Self-Sufficiency Goal: Domestic Manufacturing: Shakti aims to significantly reduce this dependency by manufacturing essential semiconductors within the country.
Bolstering Security Infrastructure
- Commercial Sector Needs:
- Telecommunications: Supports the development of robust telecom infrastructure.
- Railways: Enhances the technological backbone of the railway sector.
- Green Energy: Facilitates advancements in renewable energy technologies.
- Modern Warfare Capabilities: Advanced Technologies: Focus on areas critical for contemporary defense strategies, including sensing, communications, and power electronics.
Enhancing R&D and Global Linkages
- Research and Development:
- Collaborative Initiatives: Promotes joint R&D efforts in chip manufacturing.
- GlobalFoundries Kolkata Power Center: Example of collaborative projects advancing semiconductor technology.
Significance in the Global Context
- Elite Group Membership: Post-agreement, India joins an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing compound semiconductors.
- Quad Collaboration: Enhances technological cooperation within the Quad, contributing to regional security and economic stability.
- Tech Diplomacy Milestone: Represents a significant breakthrough in India-US tech diplomacy, setting a precedent for future collaborations.
- National Security Enhancement: The pact aims to bolster national security, advance next-generation telecommunications, and support green energy applications through advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
About the India Semiconductor Mission:
- Objective: To build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem.
- Goal: Enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
- Implementing Agency: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Operational Structure:
- Specialized Division: Functions as an independent business division within Digital India Corporation.
- Program Management: Acts as the nodal agency for schemes under the Semicon India Programme, facilitating initiatives like the establishment of fabrication plants and R&D centers.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the significance of the Shakti semiconductor fabrication plant?
Shakti is India’s first multi-material fab plant, focusing on national security and marking a key US-India tech partnership.
How will the Shakti plant boost India’s self-reliance in technology?
The Shakti plant will reduce India’s reliance on imported semiconductors by manufacturing critical components domestically.
Which materials will be used in the Shakti semiconductor plant?
The plant will manufacture semiconductors using materials like infrared semiconductors, gallium nitride (GaN), and silicon carbide (SiC).
How does the Shakti plant support national security?
Shakti enhances India’s defense capabilities through advanced sensing, communications, and power electronics technologies crucial for modern warfare.
What is the role of the India Semiconductor Mission in the Shakti plant?
The India Semiconductor Mission supports the strategic planning and operation of the Shakti semiconductor fabrication plant.