Basics
- Event: Semicon India 2025 (annual semiconductor conference).
- Highlight: Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented PM Modi a ‘Made in India’ Vikram 32-bit Processor Launch Vehicle Grade chip.
- Developers:
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO.
- Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.
- Legacy: Upgraded version of VIKRAM1601 (16-bit processor), used in ISRO launch vehicle avionics since 2009.
Relevance:
- GS III (Science & Tech – Indigenisation of technology, Semiconductor industry, ISRO achievements, Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech)
- GS II (Governance – Industrial policy, Public–private–academia partnerships)
- GS III (Economy – Strategic industries, Electronics manufacturing, Supply chain resilience)
- Essay/IR (Geopolitics – Semiconductor wars, India as alternative hub vs Taiwan/China/US)
About the Vikram 32-bit Processor
- Category: Launch Vehicle Grade Microprocessor.
- Function: Used in avionics systems of ISRO’s launch vehicles.
- Upgradation: From 16-bit (VIKRAM1601) → to 32-bit (higher processing power, reliability, and efficiency).
- Significance:
- Enhances self-reliance in critical semiconductor technology.
- Reduces dependence on foreign aerospace-grade processors.
- Boosts India’s space missions (efficiency, safety, speed).
Academic & R&D Collaboration
- Memento also included 31 prototype chips developed by academic institutions:
- IIT Jammu, IIT Roorkee, IIT Dhanbad, NIT Durgapur, NIT Calicut, IIT Ropar, etc.
- Reflects strong academia–industry–government collaboration in semiconductor R&D.
India’s Semiconductor Push
- Five Semiconductor Units: Under construction rapidly.
- One pilot line already completed.
- Two more to start production in coming months.
- Policy Framework:
- Stable, investor-friendly semiconductor policies.
- Focus on covering design, fabrication, packaging, and supply chain.
- Pitch to Global Players: India projected as manufacturing hub amidst global supply chain uncertainties.
Strategic Significance
- National Security:
- Semiconductor self-sufficiency reduces vulnerability to supply chain shocks.
- Critical for defence, space, telecom, and AI systems.
- Economic Growth:
- Semiconductor industry projected as foundational for India’s $10 trillion economy target.
- Creates high-tech jobs and skilling opportunities.
- Geopolitics:
- In a world dominated by Taiwan, South Korea, U.S., and China in semiconductors → India positioning itself as an alternative hub.
Challenges
- High Capital Requirement: Semiconductor fabs need billions of dollars in investment.
- Global Competition: Taiwan (TSMC), South Korea (Samsung), U.S. (Intel), and China’s state-led push.
- Supply Chain Dependence: Raw materials, advanced lithography machinery (ASML, Netherlands) still external.
- Technology Catch-up: India is a late entrant compared to decades of global R&D.
