NEW DELHI: In a significant move towards self-sufficiency in technology, the Ministry of Electronics (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are jointly developing an indigenous mobile chip. This initiative is a critical component of India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision, according to S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.
Speaking at a national event organized alongside the ETTelecom Awards 2025 in New Delhi, Krishnan emphasized the importance of a homegrown mobile phone operating system and its underlying hardware. "When we are talking about an India-based mobile phone OS being developed, the chip for the mobile phone will also be critical. We are jointly working with the Department of Telecommunications in this regard, and that is something the MeitY is supporting under the India Semiconductor Mission and the design-linked incentive scheme," he said.
The event saw participation from leading telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, along with senior officials from DoT and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The discussion focused on the future of telecom infrastructure, AI integration, and semiconductor manufacturing in India.
Krishnan also highlighted how India's semiconductor manufacturing drive could bolster AI-driven applications. "Many AI applications will leverage telecom-related infrastructure, seamlessly integrating data across networks," he noted. This aligns with the broader vision of creating a robust ecosystem where AI, telecom networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors interact efficiently to boost industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and rural development.
Addressing concerns about AI's impact on employment, Krishnan downplayed fears of job losses in India compared to Western economies. "The reason why we don't see AI as much of a threat in India is possibly because we don't have as many white-collar jobs at stake. Generative AI largely replaces manual, repetitive work," he explained. Instead of displacing jobs, AI is expected to enhance workforce productivity and drive innovation in key economic sectors.
As India accelerates its journey towards semiconductor self-reliance, the collaborative efforts of MeitY and DoT mark a transformative step. With a strong push for indigenous chip development, AI applications, and robust telecom infrastructure, the country is poised to become a global technology powerhouse.