India and the United States have announced plans to set up a new semiconductor fabrication plant named ‘Shakti,’ which will be among the first multi-material fabs globally, dedicated to enhancing national security.

US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the landmark initiative aimed at creating a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility that will focus on advanced sensing, communications, and power electronics. This cutting-edge technology will support national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications.

The facility will be established through a collaboration between Bharat Semiconductors, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force, and is expected to be located in Uttar Pradesh. It will prioritize three crucial areas essential for modern defense systems: advanced sensing, communication, and high-voltage power electronics.

The semiconductor fab, which will produce infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide chips, will receive backing from the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semiconductors, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.

During their discussions, both leaders also highlighted their combined efforts to strengthen secure, resilient, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains. This includes GlobalFoundries’ (GF) new GF Kolkata Power Center, which will foster collaboration in chip manufacturing research and development. It is expected to drive breakthroughs in zero and low-emission technologies, connected vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers.

Additionally, GF is exploring long-term cross-border manufacturing and technology partnerships with India, expected to create high-quality jobs in both countries.

The leaders also celebrated the new strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of State and India’s Semiconductor Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, linked to the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund.

Both nations welcomed the industry’s efforts to build secure, resilient supply chains for US, Indian, and global automotive markets. Notably, Ford Motor Company has submitted a Letter of Intent to utilize its Chennai plant for manufacturing exports to global markets.

IANS