Semiconductor plants, energy security: PM Modi renews push for 'aatmanirbhar Bharat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his call for making India 'aatmanirbhar' as he addressed the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day. Talking about his government's resolve to make India self-reliant, PM Modi highlighted the country's semiconductor programme and bid to ensure energy security.

In his 13th Independence Day speech, the prime minister emphasised that India must not remain dependent on other countries and enhance its own capabilities. "We are moving forward with a firm resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Make in India, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local — the hearts of Indians are increasingly connecting with all these efforts," he said.

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New semiconductor plants to come up soon

PM Modi hailed India's semiconductor programme as a key measure towards achieving self-reliance. He said while semiconductors have long been in discussion around the world, India entered the field only recently.

"In today’s digital world and today’s technology, we understand the importance of the chip. Whether it is an electronic device, medical treatment or our transportation systems — chips are indispensable everywhere. Therefore, towards making India self-reliant, we have launched a major semiconductor programme," he said.

The prime minister said as many as three semiconductor plants are in operation currently. "I have been told that the production taking place there has already started being exported," he said.

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He further said that five to eight more semiconductor plants are expected to become operational in the next 7-8 years. "This Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the highway towards a developed India."

Energy security need of our times

Prime Minister Modi further stressed the importance of energy security, calling it the need of our times.

Highlighting India's push, PM Modi said, “That is why we have already taken one strong step after another in this direction. One major means of ensuring energy security is nuclear energy. We have passed the SHANTI Act in Parliament and paved the way for bringing in a new framework.”

He said India is working towards achieving a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047. “In this decade itself, we have set a target of starting five new nuclear reactors,” he said.