India is on the verge of a technological breakthrough with its entry into 2nm chip technology. A new design office by ARM in Bengaluru will spearhead the development of these advanced chips, placing India among the few nations globally capable of such sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing. This development is a key component of India’s strategy to become a major player in the global semiconductor market. The Indian government, led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced that these 2nm chips will be both designed and produced within India, leveraging the expertise of the British semiconductor firm, ARM. This initiative builds upon the earlier establishment of 3nm chip design centers in Noida and Bengaluru in May 2025, marking a clear trajectory of technological advancement. The key to the 2nm chip’s power lies in the incredibly small size of its transistors. This miniaturization leads to faster processing speeds and improved energy efficiency, essential for modern devices like smartphones, AI systems, and supercomputers. Before this development, only a select group of countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, China, and Japan, had achieved this level of technological prowess. India’s advancements will push it to the forefront of global technology leadership. Currently, high-end smartphones are using 3nm chips, with 2nm chips expected in the coming years. The worldwide semiconductor market is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030, with India aiming to contribute significantly. This leap into 2nm technology will encourage the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, solidifying India’s status as a significant player in the international chip market. The government’s India Semiconductor Mission supports this growth by approving 10 projects across six states, supported by investments totaling ₹1.6 lakh crore, including ₹76,000 crore in government support. India’s electronics manufacturing has expanded sixfold over the last 11 years. The government is keen on achieving self-reliance in design and manufacturing rather than relying solely on assembly.
