Page 21 - NIS English 01-15 September, 2026

th Independence
Day Celebrations
COVER STORY

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Semiconductors &

Critical Minerals

Calling self-reliance a conviction, PM Modi underlined India’s new strength in
semiconductors and critical minerals...

n There may be many things available in the world standstill without chips. But after independence, we
that are cheaper and can be obtained more were unable to take forward any major plan on this.
quickly, but relying on them does not build our n Three major semiconductor plants have already
own capabilities, nor does it test the strength been started, and production from these facilities
of our capabilities, and therefore we must
strengthen our own capacities and protect our has already begun to be exported.
own interests. n Over the coming seven to eight years, another
n We are moving forward with a firm resolve for five, seven, or even eight semiconductor plants are
Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the hearts of Indians expected to begin operations. This Atmanirbhar
are connecting with initiatives like Make in India, Bharat provides us a great highway toward
Swadeshi, Vocal for Local. becoming a Viksit Bharat.

n Whether it is electronic goods, medical n We launched the National Critical Minerals
equipment, or transportation systems, chips are Mission, and announced the Critical Minerals
indispensable everywhere. Corridor in the Budget. Agreements are being

n In today's digital world, we understand the signed with several countries, and many countries
importance of the chip; the world has reached around the world are now beginning to place their
a point where the entire system could come to a trust in Bharat in the field of critical minerals.

“Having shed the mindset
of servitude and dedicated
itself to the ‘Panch Pran’
(five pledges), the nation is
moving forward today with
renewed self-confidence. It
is striving wholeheartedly
to realize these new
resolutions.”
(Excerpt of the speech from the ramparts of the
Red Fort on Independence Day 2023)

Picture from Independence Day 2023 Sep 01-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 19