What happened?
On September 2, 2025 Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the first made-in-India microchip, the Vikram 32-bit processor, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi. Developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, the processor is India’s first fully indigenous chip designed for use in harsh launch vehicle conditions. Alongside Vikram, test chips from four approved projects were also showcased. The event marked a key milestone in India’s semiconductor journey, which began with the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021.
Why it matters to India
The unveiling of Vikram represents a major leap towards technological self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign chipmakers in critical sectors such as defence, healthcare, communication, and space. With over ₹1.60 lakh crore already invested across 10 semiconductor projects in multiple states, India is rapidly building its chip design, packaging, and fabrication ecosystem. The development also strengthens India’s economic and strategic security by positioning the country as a rising global hub for semiconductors, while ensuring preparedness for future digital and technological demands.