As the US hosted the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware, the US and India intensified their semiconductor collaboration by launching a series of initiatives, including a semiconductor fabrication plant.
According to a White House press release on September 21, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant agreement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics. This initiative aims to enhance national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications.
The facility will produce infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors, supported by the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.
In a joint statement, the leaders commended efforts to build resilient and secure semiconductor supply chains, exemplified by GlobalFoundries' establishment of the GF Kolkata Power Center in India. This center aims to foster research and development in chip manufacturing and promote advancements in zero and low-emission vehicles, IoT devices, AI, and data centers. They noted GlobalFoundries' plans to explore long-term manufacturing partnerships with India to create high-quality jobs in both nations.
The leaders also welcomed the new strategic partnership between the US Department of State and the India Semiconductor Mission, aligning with the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund.
The statement acknowledged efforts to strengthen supply chains for automotive markets, including Ford Motor Company's Letter of Intent to utilize its Chennai plant for exports.
Additionally, Biden and Modi outlined plans to mobilize over US$90 million in funding over the next five years to support the US-India Global Challenges Institute, promoting high-impact research partnerships between universities and research institutions in both countries. They celebrated the launch of a new US-India Advanced Materials R&D Forum aimed at enhancing collaboration in research.
The leaders emphasized growing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and other critical areas. They highlighted the recent convening of the US-India Quantum Coordination Mechanism and the announcement of new awards for binational research in AI and quantum through the US-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (IUSSTF). Notably, IBM has signed an MoU with the Indian government to advance AI innovation and semiconductor research.
Finally, the leaders applauded ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation around 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications, including a US$7 million investment from the US Agency for International Development to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy in collaboration with Indian institutions.
