On Tuesday, India's first indigenously developed 32-bit processor chip 'Vikram' was unveiled at Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi. Designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and fabricated at Isro's Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, the chip has been built primarily for satellites and rockets, but its rugged design makes it suitable for other applications like defence systems, advanced automotive solutions and high-reliability energy systems as well.

Vikram-32 signals India's entry into a sector that could fundamentally transform its economic landscape and global strategic positioning despite being a late starter.

India's semiconductor market is anticipated to expand from ₹4,50,164 cr ($52 bn) in 2024 to ₹8,95,134 cr ($103.4 bn) by 2030, representing a 13% CAGR.
This growth trajectory positions India to gain significant value in a global industry that stimulates $7 tn in economic activity annually across the world. Economic impact extends beyond market size.

Till date, the Union Cabinet has sanctioned 10 semiconductor projects, with cumulative investment commitments of ₹1.60 tn ($18.23 bn), while nine projects under the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) have secured around $900 mn in proposed investments, and are expected to create over 15,700 jobs nationwide. India plans to add 1 mn new semiconductor jobs by 2026 to its existing workforce of 2.2 lakh professionals.