Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is emerging as a global leader in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and startup innovation during a series of high-profile events.
These initiatives signal India's intent to shift from a service-based tech economy to a hardware and AI powerhouse. By integrating domestic manufacturing with international partnerships, the government aims to secure critical supply chains and foster a self-reliant technological ecosystem.
In mid-April 2026, Modi inaugurated the Kaynes Semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility represents an investment of Rs 3,300 crore [1] and is the second semiconductor facility to become operational under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0 [2]. During the inauguration, Modi said the goal is "Make in India for the world" [3].
To further these ambitions, India and South Korea launched a bilateral "Digital Bridge" on April 20, 2026 [4]. This partnership is designed to deepen cooperation specifically in the fields of AI and semiconductor development, leveraging South Korea's established hardware expertise and India's software capabilities.
Modi also addressed entrepreneurs at the Startup Mahakumbh in Gujarat, where he focused on the rapid transformation of the domestic business landscape. He said India has grown into the world's third-largest startup ecosystem [5]. The event served as a platform to attract both domestic and global entrepreneurs to the "Make in India" agenda.
The combined push across Sanand and the Digital Bridge initiative reflects a coordinated strategy to move up the value chain. By focusing on the physical components of AI, the semiconductors, India seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign imports for critical infrastructure.
“Make in India for the world”
The synchronization of the Kaynes plant opening and the South Korea Digital Bridge suggests India is moving beyond policy frameworks into physical implementation. By targeting the semiconductor layer, India is attempting to solve a fundamental vulnerability in its tech stack, ensuring that the growth of its third-largest startup ecosystem is supported by domestic hardware and strategic international alliances.
