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India’s digital era has surged, propelling the nation into unprecedented technological growth and a new technological trajectory.
The launch of SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar marks a substantial leap in India’s technological journey. Semiconductors’ essential role in daily life aligns with India’s dedicated efforts to cultivate a strong semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
At the forefront of the global technology revolution, India has placed a strategic emphasis on electronics. Semiconductors, as an integral component, find applications across diverse sectors such as communication, defence, automobiles, and computing devices. Strengthening the cornerstone of the nation’s progress – electronics and fortifying the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ – India has poised itself to expand and fortify its value chain, fostering a world-class semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
India, as the Incoming Support Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), hosted the prestigious GPAI Summit from December 12-14, 2023, in New Delhi. Welcoming representatives from 28 member countries and the European Union, the summit became a fulcrum for comprehensive discussions on the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Key outcomes of the GPAI summit included the GPAI New Delhi Declaration, focusing on advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, and the call-to-action by the Prime Minister to devise a global framework for the ethical use of AI. The summit also spotlighted India’s prowess as a global hub for AI innovation, uniting major AI initiatives and providing a platform for startups to showcase their innovative AI products and services.
Additionally, the First India Stack Developer Conference in January 2023 heralded a new phase in digital integration. Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the conference’s objective – expanding access and adoption of India Stack for global integration and innovation.
Further augmenting India’s digital advancement, the Union Cabinet approved schemes promoting digital payments, reinforcing Aadhaar’s role in daily life, and extending the Digital India programme. These initiatives encompassed the UIDAI’s efforts to enhance security measures in Aadhaar authentication, making document updates online free of cost, and extending the Digital India programme with a significant outlay.
The Digital India initiative aims to boost digital infrastructure, governance, and citizens’ digital empowerment. In August 2023, the government extended the program with an INR 14,903.25 crore outlay till 2025-26, focusing on upskilling 6.25 lakh IT professionals, training 2.65 lakh in information security, expanding UMANG services, adding 9 supercomputers, rolling out Bhashini translation tool, modernising the National Knowledge Network, enabling DigiLocker for MSMEs, aiding 1,200 startups, and enhancing cyber security initiatives.
Moreover, collaborations with nations and the approval of semiconductor projects exemplify India’s global partnerships and investments toward technological advancement. The union’s endorsement of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for IT hardware solidified India’s position as a preferred manufacturing destination.
Notably, events such as the G20-Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) Programme showcased India’s vibrant tech ecosystem. This three-day extravaganza brought together startups, investors, and global stakeholders, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration, underscoring India’s prominence as a tech leader.
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 17,000 crore Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware, encompassing devices like laptops, tablets, servers, and more. This move is expected to create 2 lakh jobs and generate a production value of Rs. 3.5 lakh crore, with 27 major IT hardware manufacturers,
India’s technological odyssey, characterised by multifaceted digital initiatives, signifies an unwavering commitment to technological innovation, global collaboration, and digital empowerment – a testament to the nation’s march toward a digitally integrated, self-reliant future.
