India's Semiconductor Breakthrough: Can 'Made in India' Chips Power Global Demand?

India has achieved a major milestone in its semiconductor journey. Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a telecom system running entirely on Made in India chips has successfully cleared rigorous standards and quality tests. The system has also received Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) certification, marking what the minister called a “big leap in India’s semiconductor history.”

Vaishnaw shared the achievement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that TEC’s approval proves chips designed and manufactured in India can now power complex telecom systems while meeting international quality standards.

What Does TEC Approval Signify?

TEC certification goes beyond being a regulatory requirement. It is an official assurance from the Department of Telecommunications that a product meets stringent benchmarks for safety, reliability, and quality. For telecom infrastructure—one of the most critical elements of India’s digital economy—this certification is vital.

With TEC’s approval:

• India can reduce its dependence on imported chips.

• Domestic supply chains will be strengthened.

• Export opportunities to global markets will open up.

Why Is This Achievement Important?

India has long relied on imports to meet its semiconductor needs, from smartphones and telecom towers to automobiles and data centers. The approval marks a decisive step towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in the electronics sector.

While India does not yet operate an advanced semiconductor fabrication unit, the country is rapidly building capabilities in chip design, assembly, and testing. The current focus is on producing 28nm to 65nm nodes—not the cutting-edge sub-5nm chips used in AI and high-end smartphones, but essential for telecom, automotive, and industrial applications.

India’s Place in the Global Chip Market

As global giants like TSMC and Samsung race ahead in advanced chip manufacturing, India is adopting a strategic alternative path. By focusing on mature nodes, India aims to bridge critical supply chain gaps exposed during recent global shortages.

A report by Bastian Research notes that India’s strategy is not to compete head-on with established leaders in cutting-edge fabrication, but rather to position itself as a provider of world-class integration services and scalable chip solutions. With a strong talent pool and deep engineering expertise, India is now seen as a serious contender in meeting global semiconductor demand.