Prime Minister Modi declared Sanand a bridge to Silicon Valley, marking a milestone for India's semiconductor sector and global supply chain resilience.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood in Gujarat's Sanand on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, positioning the industrial town as a critical emerging link in the global semiconductor network. He declared that a "bridge" now connects the region with Silicon Valley following the inauguration of a new assembly and test facility by Kaynes Semicon.
Addressing a gathered crowd, the Prime Minister described the current era as the "decade of India" while highlighting the rapid expansion of the country's electronics sector. He projected that the Indian semiconductor market could exceed $100 billion by the end of the decade, underscoring the nation's shifting role from consumer to supplier.
The newly commissioned plant, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,300 crore, represents a significant milestone under the national semiconductor strategy. Mr. Modi stated that chips manufactured in Sanand will reach the United States and illuminate the world, marking India's emergence as a reliable semiconductor supplier. He noted that India's current global semiconductor market stands at ₹4.5 lakh crore, with a target of reaching ₹9 lakh crore by 2030.
The Prime Minister recalled how disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting India to position itself as a semiconductor manufacturing hub. He emphasized that the government is laying a strong foundation for technology and energy security in the coming decades, noting that global supply chains have been affected by conflicts in the 21st century.
"As a result, the India Semiconductor Mission was launched in India in 2021," Mr. Modi stated, calling it a declaration of India's confidence on the global stage rather than merely an industrial policy. He added that today's New India is moving forward to lead change rather than just witnessing it.
Mr. Modi underscored India's growing ambitions, stating the country is steadily building a comprehensive ecosystem while strengthening supply chains for critical raw materials. He highlighted domestic initiatives, including the National Critical Minerals Mission aimed at boosting mining and production, and a ₹1,500 crore scheme to promote mineral recycling. The announcement of a 'rare earth corridor' across coastal States such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala will further strengthen the value chain from extraction to manufacturing.
Referring to India's recent participation in the Pax Silica initiative, a U.S.-led coalition focused on securing supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and rare earth elements, Mr. Modi said such collaborations will enhance resilience in critical technology sectors. He described the current period as India's 'Techade', asserting that technological advancement will define the country's global leadership.
Describing the commissioning of the facility as a milestone, Mr. Modi noted that Indian firms are increasingly becoming part of the global supply chain. "A new bridge has been built between Sanand and Silicon Valley. Intelligent power modules manufactured here will reach American companies and power the world," he said, reinforcing that the project strengthens India's role as a reliable supplier.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly built 'Samrat Samprati Museum', dedicated to Jain heritage and values of non-violence, at Koba village in Gandhinagar. The museum, located at the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, is named after Samrat Samprati, a Mauryan ruler known for propagating Jainism. It houses rare artefacts, ancient manuscripts, and sculptures spread across seven galleries.
Mr. Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects worth ₹19,800 crore in the State from the border region of Vav-Tharad. He touched down at the Indian Air Force's newly operational airbase in Deesa, underscoring the strategic importance of the facility located near the international border with Pakistan. With this, Deesa becomes the fifth IAF base to be operational in Gujarat, joining existing bases at Jamnagar, Bhuj, Naliya, and Vadodara.
On global challenges, the Prime Minister said that despite wars and instability affecting many parts of the world, India has managed to maintain stability due to its strong foreign policy. He pointed out that while global shortages of fuel have affected many countries, India has successfully kept inflation and fuel prices under control.
The inauguration of the Deesa airbase, located just 130 kilometres from the international border, marks a strategic surge in India's military preparedness along the sensitive western frontier. As the fifth operational IAF base in Gujarat, this facility is expected to significantly enhance the country's capacity to respond to security threats. Combined with the expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem, these developments signal a dual trajectory of fortified national defense and robust economic independence. The integration of critical mineral supply chains with advanced manufacturing capabilities suggests a future where India not only secures its own technological sovereignty but also serves as a stabilizing democratic contributor to global markets, resilient against geopolitical shocks and supply disruptions.
The Prime Minister, along with Jain seers, inaugurated the museum on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and State Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia were also present at the semiconductor event. Mr. Modi expressed joy at meeting old associates in north Gujarat, recalling the traditional "bajra rotla and garlic chutney" and noting the dedication of the younger generation. He cautioned citizens against Opposition parties attempting to create divisions, spread fear, and tarnish India's global image during this critical period of growth.
The second phase of the mission, India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, has been initiated to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities. Efforts are being made to develop a skilled workforce, with plans to train over 85,000 design professionals. Initiatives such as the chips-to-startup programme are also supporting innovation, with hundreds of institutions and startups gaining access to advanced design tools. Mr. Modi concluded by saying the government is focusing on improving ease of doing business, manufacturing capacity, and logistics to support the sector's substantial growth trajectory.
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