India can become world's largest chip maker in next five years

India has commissioned four semiconductor manufacturing plants and the country is poised to become one of the world's largest chip manufacturing centres in the next five years, Indian Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

In an interview with IANS, a partner of TV BRICS, he said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (if re-elected) will lay the foundation for further growth of the industry that will create thousands of jobs in the coming years.

Semiconductor manufacturing had remained just a dream since 1960 and Prime Minister Modi has finally realised it, the official said.

e said that as of today, four plants have already been commissioned to manufacture chips. Now preparations are on to manufacture the first chip at the Sanand plant as early as December.

The plant, which has been set up in Assam, will manufacture chips for the world's largest electric car makers, Ashwini Vaishnaw said. “The biggest semiconductor hub will be built in the country," he noted.