Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the semiconductor assembly, test, and packaging (ATMP) facility of the American company Micron Technology in Sanand, Gujarat, on Saturday.
This is a historic milestone in India’s semiconductor history, which PM Modi described as “a significant step in India’s journey towards technology leadership.”
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi said, “This Micron facility and today’s event are also proof of the strong cooperation and partnership between India and America. The partnership between India and America is very important, especially in the field of technologies like AI and chips.
Today, the entire world wants to secure the supply chains of these two technologies linked to a better future for humanity. The world’s two largest democracies, India and America, are continuously striving for this.
The agreement related to Pax-Silica between India and America during the AI Summit is another effort made in this direction. Our joint efforts will also make the global supply chain of critical minerals more secure and reliable.”
Referring to the 20th century’s Industrial Revolution, PM Modi said, “Until the 20th century, the world saw the era of the Industrial Revolution. At that time, the countries that were ahead in factories, machines, and mass production progressed rapidly. This century is the century of the AI Revolution. Semiconductor is the major bridge of this transformation.
The tiny chip is the medium connecting the Industrial Revolution and the AI Revolution. If oil was the regulator of the last century, the microchip is going to be the regulator of this century.”
Highlighting India’s semiconductor policy, he explained, “With this very thought, India decided to move forward rapidly in the semiconductor sector. When the world was grappling with the havoc of COVID, India announced the Semiconductor Mission. So far, a total of 10 projects have been approved under the Semicon India Program.
Apart from Micron, three other projects among these are also going to start production very soon. The semiconductor ecosystem we are building is not limited to any one region but is pan-India.”
PM Modi further said, “Apart from here in Sanand, work is also progressing on a very large scale in Dholera. Just a few days ago, work began on a new facility in Noida, Uttar Pradesh as well.
Work has also started on semiconductor units in Assam, Odisha, and Punjab. Today, for all the investors of the world, India has only one message: ‘India is Ready, India is Revival and India Delivers’.”
Sanand
Sanand is a city located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat, India. Historically, it was part of the Solanki dynasty’s realm and later came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Today, it is primarily known as a major industrial and manufacturing hub, particularly for the automotive sector.
Gujarat
Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich cultural heritage and a long history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, including the archaeological site of Lothal. It is renowned for its vibrant handicrafts, festivals like Navratri, and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The region has been a significant center for trade and commerce for centuries, with a coastline that shaped its maritime history.
Micron Technology
Micron Technology is a leading American semiconductor company founded in 1978 in Boise, Idaho, specializing in memory and storage solutions. It is historically significant for its innovations in DRAM and NAND flash memory, which are critical components in computers, smartphones, and data centers worldwide. Today, it is a key global player in the tech industry, driving advancements in areas like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
Pax-Silica
“Pax-Silica” is a fictional or conceptual site, likely representing a place of peace or truce centered around glass or silica. Its history is not established in real-world records, but the name suggests a symbolic history of conflict resolution or a pact forged in a fragile, transparent environment. It may be inspired by artistic, literary, or worldbuilding projects that explore themes of diplomacy and delicate craftsmanship.
AI Summit
The AI Summit is a global conference series focused on artificial intelligence, launched in 2015 to bring together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers. It serves as a key forum for discussing AI’s practical applications, ethical governance, and future trends, reflecting the rapid rise of AI as a transformative technology in the 21st century.
Semiconductor Mission
The “Semiconductor Mission” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a strategic national initiative, most notably India’s **India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)** launched in 2021. It is a government program designed to build a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem within the country, in response to global supply chain vulnerabilities. Its history is rooted in modern economic policy, aiming to position India as a key player in the global electronics supply chain.
Semicon India Program
The Semicon India Program is a national initiative launched by the Government of India in 2021 to establish the country as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, design, and innovation. It involves significant financial incentives and policy support to attract major investments, aiming to build a resilient supply chain and reduce dependence on imports in this critical technology sector.
Dholera
Dholera is a proposed greenfield smart city located in Gujarat, India, envisioned as a major industrial and economic hub. Its history is ancient, as the modern site is near the archaeological remains of a Harappan port settlement dating back over 4,500 years. Today, it is being developed as a key node in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, aiming to integrate advanced infrastructure with sustainable urban planning.
