Bengaluru And Tamil Nadu's Tech Ecosystem Ready for Semiconductor Boom, Says 'Chip War' Author

The US' curbs on China's semiconductor industry present a significant opportunity for India's chip manufacturing sector, according to tech author Chris Miller. However, he emphasizes that India's main challenge lies in converting announced projects into operational facilities.

Miller, who authored "Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology," points out that as the US, Japanese, and European firms reduce their reliance on Chinese chips in their supply chains, there's potential for Indian chipmakers to fill this gap.

Speaking in Bengaluru, Miller noted that the city, along with Tamil Nadu, is experiencing unprecedented growth in its electronics ecosystem. He highlighted that the necessary infrastructure, materials, chemicals, and tools are available, which could create a "snowball effect" attracting more firms to the region.

Regarding the US-India partnership, Miller observed that semiconductor cooperation has become a central pillar of the relationship over the past couple of years, a trend he expects to continue under current administration policies.

He was also quoted as saying that India has announced several projects, including one fabrication plant and four chip packaging facilities, these require specialized infrastructure and significant development time. Miller drew a comparison to Taiwan's semiconductor industry, noting it took 30 years to become a major player in the sector.