From Fragile Hopes to Soaring Aspirations: India’s Technological Flight

– Lalit Garg–

India has carved out a new chapter in technological self-reliance by developing its first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, marking the dawn of a technological revolution. This achievement is not only a milestone in scientific advancement but also a symbol of national pride. With this bold step, India has given new dimensions to self-reliant and indigenous technological progress. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Semiconductor Laboratory has witnessed this remarkable feat of creating the first “Made in India” chip. Its production will begin at the pilot plant in Sanand, Gujarat. Under the central government’s ambitious initiative, over ten semiconductor projects worth more than 18 billion dollars are underway across the country. India will no longer have to depend on foreign countries for this critical technology. Entering this fiercely competitive chip sector is a remarkable and encouraging development, one that will undoubtedly strengthen India and accelerate its economic growth.

At present, chip production is dominated by countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States. India’s breakthrough is, in many ways, a mirror held up to the U.S., a move that has startled global players. India now aspires to emerge as a leading global force in this sector. During the inauguration of Semicon India-2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that the day is not far when India’s smallest chip will lay the foundation for monumental global changes. Challenges still lie ahead, but the hope is that in the coming years India’s share in the 600-billion-dollar global semiconductor industry could rise to 45–50 billion dollars. That would mean India unfurling its flag of success on multiple fronts. This indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, designed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, has been named “Vikram.” It is a space-grade microprocessor, developed mainly for space missions and rocket systems. ISRO, in collaboration with the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, has developed two such processors – Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201. These processors will support navigation and control systems in launch vehicles. Vikram 3201 is the very first 32-bit processor to be completely designed and manufactured in India.

With this breakthrough, ISRO will no longer be dependent on foreign processors, ensuring greater self-reliance in space exploration. It is an emphatic stride towards India’s journey as a major global power – one that has unsettled the United States and revealed India’s rising might to the world. Until now, India had relied heavily on foreign microprocessors and semiconductor wafers to carry out complex space missions. This dependence was not only financially burdensome but also fraught with risks to national security. The creation of the “Vikram” microprocessor has broken these chains, taking India a decisive step forward in the march toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Of course, for India to become a semiconductor giant, continuous investment, research, and large-scale manufacturing will be crucial. Prime Minister Modi is actively working in this direction. His recent visit to Japan has raised expectations of global collaboration in building a semiconductor design ecosystem for India. Encouragingly, Japanese investment in India’s chip production sector is rising. Indeed, Modi’s foreign visits are paving the way for India to scale new heights of development.

Thanks to the government’s focused efforts, India can now run faster in the global race to establish semiconductor supremacy. After all, semiconductors—the brain of digital devices—are indispensable in making advanced products like computers, mobiles, routers, cars, and satellites. The efficiency of these devices depends on the power of advanced chips. Simply put, a chip is a network of millions of transistors etched on a thin silicon wafer, enabling computing, memory management, and signal processing. India’s indigenous chip, expected to reach the market by the end of this year, will not only reshape geopolitics but also generate employment and surprise the world with its technological capabilities. If India creates favorable conditions for research, development, and ease of business, it can reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its own supply chain. The 32-bit capability of this processor means it can use larger memory and handle complex computations at high speed. In space missions, where every signal and every fraction of a second matters, such capabilities are vital. Beyond speed and efficiency, this processor embodies qualities like radiation tolerance and long-term stability—essential for surviving the harsh conditions of outer space.

Equally significant is that the entire design, fabrication, and testing process has been carried out within India. This means India has transitioned from being merely a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of it. The conception of this microprocessor is not just the making of a chip—it is a reflection of India’s scientific talent, foresight, and self-confidence. India already holds a strong position in this field, with nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers being Indian. Recognizing this potential, the government has launched the ambitious semiconductor mission. It is considering expanding the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, which currently supports domestic companies, and could cover up to 70% of project costs through incentives from both central and state governments. This ambitious project is being hailed as a potential game-changing technological revolution in India.

It is worth noting that India’s premier technology institutes have already worked on indigenous processors like “Shakti” and “Vega.” These efforts laid the foundation, which today has crystallized in the form of “Vikram.” Beyond space applications, such processors could bring revolutionary changes in defense, medical equipment, and communication systems. Certainly, challenges remain: scaling up production, ensuring equipment availability, developing software ecosystems, expanding applications, and securing international certifications. Yet, the confidence with which India has taken this first step assures us that in the future, even more advanced microprocessors will be within our reach. “Vikram” is not just a technical achievement—it is a declaration of India’s proud journey. It proclaims that India is no longer merely a follower of science but is on its way to becoming its creator and guide. The vision of a self-reliant India is no longer just words; it is taking shape through concrete accomplishments.

From Fragile Hopes to Soaring Aspirations: India’s Technological Flight

– Lalit Garg–

India has carved out a new chapter in technological self-reliance by developing its first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, marking the dawn of a technological revolution. This achievement is not only a milestone in scientific advancement but also a symbol of national pride. With this bold step, India has given new dimensions to self-reliant and indigenous technological progress. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Semiconductor Laboratory has witnessed this remarkable feat of creating the first “Made in India” chip. Its production will begin at the pilot plant in Sanand, Gujarat. Under the central government’s ambitious initiative, over ten semiconductor projects worth more than 18 billion dollars are underway across the country. India will no longer have to depend on foreign countries for this critical technology. Entering this fiercely competitive chip sector is a remarkable and encouraging development, one that will undoubtedly strengthen India and accelerate its economic growth.

At present, chip production is dominated by countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States. India’s breakthrough is, in many ways, a mirror held up to the U.S., a move that has startled global players. India now aspires to emerge as a leading global force in this sector. During the inauguration of Semicon India-2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that the day is not far when India’s smallest chip will lay the foundation for monumental global changes. Challenges still lie ahead, but the hope is that in the coming years India’s share in the 600-billion-dollar global semiconductor industry could rise to 45–50 billion dollars. That would mean India unfurling its flag of success on multiple fronts. This indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, designed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, has been named “Vikram.” It is a space-grade microprocessor, developed mainly for space missions and rocket systems. ISRO, in collaboration with the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, has developed two such processors – Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201. These processors will support navigation and control systems in launch vehicles. Vikram 3201 is the very first 32-bit processor to be completely designed and manufactured in India.

With this breakthrough, ISRO will no longer be dependent on foreign processors, ensuring greater self-reliance in space exploration. It is an emphatic stride towards India’s journey as a major global power – one that has unsettled the United States and revealed India’s rising might to the world. Until now, India had relied heavily on foreign microprocessors and semiconductor wafers to carry out complex space missions. This dependence was not only financially burdensome but also fraught with risks to national security. The creation of the “Vikram” microprocessor has broken these chains, taking India a decisive step forward in the march toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Of course, for India to become a semiconductor giant, continuous investment, research, and large-scale manufacturing will be crucial. Prime Minister Modi is actively working in this direction. His recent visit to Japan has raised expectations of global collaboration in building a semiconductor design ecosystem for India. Encouragingly, Japanese investment in India’s chip production sector is rising. Indeed, Modi’s foreign visits are paving the way for India to scale new heights of development.

Thanks to the government’s focused efforts, India can now run faster in the global race to establish semiconductor supremacy. After all, semiconductors—the brain of digital devices—are indispensable in making advanced products like computers, mobiles, routers, cars, and satellites. The efficiency of these devices depends on the power of advanced chips. Simply put, a chip is a network of millions of transistors etched on a thin silicon wafer, enabling computing, memory management, and signal processing. India’s indigenous chip, expected to reach the market by the end of this year, will not only reshape geopolitics but also generate employment and surprise the world with its technological capabilities. If India creates favorable conditions for research, development, and ease of business, it can reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its own supply chain. The 32-bit capability of this processor means it can use larger memory and handle complex computations at high speed. In space missions, where every signal and every fraction of a second matters, such capabilities are vital. Beyond speed and efficiency, this processor embodies qualities like radiation tolerance and long-term stability—essential for surviving the harsh conditions of outer space.

Equally significant is that the entire design, fabrication, and testing process has been carried out within India. This means India has transitioned from being merely a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of it. The conception of this microprocessor is not just the making of a chip—it is a reflection of India’s scientific talent, foresight, and self-confidence. India already holds a strong position in this field, with nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers being Indian. Recognizing this potential, the government has launched the ambitious semiconductor mission. It is considering expanding the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, which currently supports domestic companies, and could cover up to 70% of project costs through incentives from both central and state governments. This ambitious project is being hailed as a potential game-changing technological revolution in India.

It is worth noting that India’s premier technology institutes have already worked on indigenous processors like “Shakti” and “Vega.” These efforts laid the foundation, which today has crystallized in the form of “Vikram.” Beyond space applications, such processors could bring revolutionary changes in defense, medical equipment, and communication systems. Certainly, challenges remain: scaling up production, ensuring equipment availability, developing software ecosystems, expanding applications, and securing international certifications. Yet, the confidence with which India has taken this first step assures us that in the future, even more advanced microprocessors will be within our reach. “Vikram” is not just a technical achievement—it is a declaration of India’s proud journey. It proclaims that India is no longer merely a follower of science but is on its way to becoming its creator and guide. The vision of a self-reliant India is no longer just words; it is taking shape through concrete accomplishments.