Popular Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, my colleague in the Center Ashwini Vaishnaw, CEO of Micron Technology Sanjay Mehrotra ji, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi ji, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen.
After the world's largest and most successful AI Summit, today we are witnessing another historical milestone here. While the AI Summit introduced the world to India's AI potential, today is another proof of India's commitment regarding technology leadership.
Friends,
It is not a matter of a long time ago; until 10-11 years ago, discussions about data and chips in India used to happen only in very closed circles. When it came to technology, our discussion often remained largely around IT services. And look today, India, known for software, is now strengthening its identity in the field of hardware as well. Today in Sanand, we are seeing the rise of a new future. The start of commercial production in this ATMP Facility of Micron is going to strengthen India's role in the global technology value chain.
Friends,
Today, India is very rapidly becoming a part of the global semiconductor value chain. I extend many congratulations to the entire team of Micron, to the Gujarat government under the leadership of Bhupendra Bhai, and to all the Engineers, Technicians, and Workers.
Friends,
This facility of Micron is also a magnificent example of India’s new mood. The approach with which today's India is moving forward, from policy to production, is visible here. You remember, June 2023, the MoU was signed for this facility. After that, September 2023, the groundbreaking of this facility took place in Sanand. Then February 2024, machines started being installed in the pilot facility here. And today in February 2026, commercial production has also started in this facility.
Friends,
Whoever looks at or understands this sector can know the meaning of this speed. Even in the developed countries of the world, tax agreements like Advanced Pricing Agreements take 3 to 5 years. This is a very complicated process. But India cleared it in just a few months. When the intent is clear and the dedication is toward the rapid development of the country, then the policy also becomes clear and speed inevitably comes into decisions as well.
Friends,
I also express my gratitude to the leadership of Micron; however much I congratulate my friend Sanjay, it is not enough. Today Sanjay surprised me, because when Sanjay meets, he speaks very little; after hearing the speech today, I got introduced to another Sanjay. He maintains continuous trust in India. I will specially praise brother Sanjay ji; I remember that in past years whenever we met, he has been very enthusiastic regarding India's semiconductor ecosystem. Today his leadership, his trust in India, seems to be reaching a new height. After his appointment in India, Ambassador Gor has also perhaps come to Gujarat for the first time. And after he formally became the Ambassador, today is my first meeting with him, and that too is happening in my Karmabhoomi (place of work). I am confident that you will fully enjoy our hospitality.
Friends,
This facility of Micron, today's program, is also evidence of the strong cooperation and partnership between India and America. Especially in fields of technology like AI and chips, the partnership between India and America is very important. Today the whole world wants to secure the supply chain of these two technologies linked to a better future for humanity. And two big democracies of the world, India and America, are continuously making efforts for this. During the AI Summit, the agreement related to Pax Silica between India and America is another effort made in this direction. Our shared efforts will make the global supply chain of critical minerals more secure and more reliable.
Friends,
Until the 20th century, the world saw the era of the Industrial Revolution. At that time, the countries that were ahead in factories, machines, and mass production made progress rapidly. But this century is the century of the AI Revolution. Semiconductor is the big bridge of this change. A small chip is the medium connecting both the Industrial Revolution and the AI Revolution. If the regulator of the last century was oil, then the regulator of this century is going to be the micro-chip.
Friends,
With this thinking, India decided to move forward rapidly in the semiconductor sector. You remember, when the world was struggling with the havoc of Covid, then India announced the Semiconductor Mission. During that time, many colleagues sitting here, different teams, were conducting meetings one after another. During the pandemic, everything felt like it was falling apart. But the seeds we planted with conviction are now growing and bearing fruit.
Friends,
So far, under the Semicon India program, a total of 10 projects have been approved. Out of these, besides Micron, three more projects are also going to start production very soon. And the semiconductor ecosystem we are building is not limited to one region; it is Pan-India. That is, new tech hubs of Developed India are being developed in every part of the country. Apart from Sanand here, work is going on at a very large scale in Dholera as well. Just a few days ago, work started on a new facility in Noida, Uttar Pradesh as well. Work is also going on semiconductor units in Assam, Odisha, and Punjab.
Friends,
Today there is only one message for investors all over the world from India: India is ready. India is reliable and India delivers.
Friends,
You know that a semiconductor ecosystem does not mean just one factory. This ecosystem is made of many layers like machine makers, design engineers, research institutions, logistics networks, and skilled technicians. A chip is prepared with everyone’s coordination. India, too, is focusing on the entire value chain of the semiconductor ecosystem. In this year's budget, we have announced the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. This is also the purpose of it. As production increases, the demand for materials, components, and services will increase within India itself. This is the biggest opportunity.
Friends,
Another big advantage of India is our manufacturing ambitions. India has a very large population which is becoming first-time users of gadgets. Whether it is electronics, automobiles, or other technology, demand in India is continuously increasing. That is, Make in India is now moving forward in full swing. Look at our electronics sector itself; in the past 11 years, electronics production and exports have increased many times. Now India is engaged in making everything from components to finished products within the country. As the scope of electronics component manufacturing increases, the domestic demand for semiconductors will also increase accordingly. That is, for those investing in India, both the domestic market and global opportunities are standing in front of them.
Friends,
I have had a special attachment to this entire area of Sanand. Sanand is that land which turns even soil into gold. I am telling you this from my experience. If a few people from Sanand are sitting here - there was a time when I used to come here by bus and keep roaming in the lanes here on a bicycle; it was a small town, I used to go up from here taking a bicycle, meaning in a way this has been my field of work for a long time. And I have seen Sanand changing before my eyes. A small town of some era is converting into a very big city today. And where did it start—a one-rupee SMS, of one rupee. I had sent one SMS to Ratan Tata ji: Welcome, Swagatam, I had written Swagatam. An investment of one rupee - see what this Gujju can do.
Friends,
I have seen Sanand turning from one car factory into a big automobile hub of the country with my own eyes. And I remember, when a big automobile company came here, the entire ecosystem developed with it. With the arrival of one company, so many ancillary units came here. A supplier network was established, local industry became strong, and both employment and investment increased. And I, to the colleagues coming from the country and the world to work here - it is true that a small town has suddenly made its place on the global map. Development and facilities that are needed, perhaps even today it remains in your mind that if this happened it would be good, if that happened it would be good.
I assure you friends,
The lifestyle you want, the social life you want, the way you want to live life - this is Gujarat, it will provide that too. We will not let you feel any lack. Now in the same way, this pioneer facility of Micron is also going to expand a new ecosystem. I am fully confident that in the coming time, Sanand will write a new chapter of its success in the semiconductor sector as well.
Friends,
Micron's D-RAM and NAND solutions power data centers, AI applications, mobile devices, and advanced computing systems across the world. Now these will be made right here, on this land of Sanand. Here, advanced wafers will be converted into high-quality memory and storage products. Hundreds of people have received employment in this plant currently. In the coming time, there will be more expansion in this.
Friends,
The cleanroom space you are building here is going to be one of the largest A.T.M.P. cleanrooms in the world. This plant is also a best example of the coordination between progress and nature. The arrangements you have made so that minimum water is consumed are also commendable.
Friends,
I will also praise the policies of the Gujarat government. The policies Gujarat had made for the Semiconductor Sector, their benefit is now visible on the ground. Due to the proactive approach of Bhupendra Bhai’s government, Gujarat is also moving forward rapidly in the field of technology. Whether it is approvals, the matter of land allotment, or making processes like utilities simple, this has strengthened the trust of investors in Gujarat. Dholera and Sanand today are developing as semiconductor clusters of Western India. Not only this, the industries related to the inputs needed for the semiconductor sector have also been developed in Gujarat. Such as chemical and petrochemical industry, skill centers and training initiatives - work is happening on all these simultaneously in Gujarat.
Friends,
This is opening a new gate of opportunities for the youth of India. Today we have taken the first step. As India’s 10 semiconductor industry projects come into production, this multiplier effect will reach MSMEs, startups, and the entire value chain of the electronics industry. The message has reached the world that India is Capable, India is Competitive, India is Committed. I assure India's partners and global investors that whether it is the Government of India or the state governments, we all are with you.
Friends,
When future generations look back at this decade, they will say with pride how high a leap India took in this decade. This will be the decade that will prove to be the turning point for India's tech future. Once again, I give many, many congratulations to the entire team of Micron, the Gujarat government, and all of you. Thank you!
