India Approves Twelve Semiconductor Plants Attracting $12 Billion Investment Ahead of SEMICON 2026

India has cleared twelve new semiconductor fabrication projects, collectively drawing about $12 billion in domestic and foreign capital, as the country seeks to reduce import reliance and build a self‑sufficient chip ecosystem by 2026 for automotive and AI markets.

Applied Materials announced a $5 billion investment to set up advanced wafer‑processing lines and supply equipment to Indian fabs, marking one of the largest single‑company commitments in the nation’s semiconductor drive, creating thousands of skilled jobs.

Dholera plant, located in Gujarat’s dedicated industrial zone, is expected to produce its first silicon wafer within months, with an initial capacity of 30,000 wafers per month, a milestone that could validate the government’s “Make in India” semiconductor strategy.

Government also approved four additional semiconductor projects valued at $524 million, focusing on design houses and packaging facilities, targeting an annual output of 200,000 chips, broadening the supply chain beyond wafer fabrication and signaling sustained policy support.