Semiconductor self-reliance has emerged as a strategic imperative for India, with indigenous microprocessor programmes like DIR-V representing a deliberate shift from import dependence toward sovereign computing capability.
Critical infrastructure in defence, banking, and telecommunications depends on microprocessors. Reliance on foreign-designed chips creates supply-chain vulnerabilities and potential security risks, as demonstrated by global chip shortages that disrupted manufacturing across sectors. Domestic design capability reduces this exposure.
The DIR-V Programme, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to develop RISC-V architecture-based processors indigenously. DHRUV64 represents a significant milestone as a 64-bit microprocessor designed in India, targeting performance benchmarks suitable for server and embedded applications. Such chips signal growing domestic design maturity.
Chip design and chip fabrication are distinct capabilities. India has developed design talent but lacks advanced semiconductor fabrication plants. The India Semiconductor Mission addresses this by incentivising fab establishment, yet attracting foundry investment requires sustained policy commitment, skilled workforce, and reliable infrastructure.
The Production Linked Incentive scheme for semiconductors, alongside design-linked incentives, attempts to build an end-to-end ecosystem. Public sector institutions and academic partnerships are essential to sustain a pipeline of chip designers who can progressively advance from design to tape-out to volume production.
Indigenous microprocessor development is a long-horizon endeavour requiring coordinated investment in design, fabrication, and talent. Sustained policy continuity, rather than episodic announcements, will determine whether India achieves genuine semiconductor sovereignty.
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