India Is ‘Stepping Into a Semiconductor Revolution’ with $15 Billion Roll Out: Experts

NEW DELHI—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones of three semiconductor plants worth over $15 billion on March 13. The prime minister said the projects “will help India to become a global semiconductor hub.” The three plants include a collaboration with a Taiwanese and a Japanese corporation. They will join India’s first high-end semiconductor fabrication plant, by American chipmaker Micron, which is expected to be ready by year’s end. In an exclusive interview, Akhil Ramesh, director of the India Program at the Honolulu-based Pacific Forum, described the development as India “stepping into the semiconductor revolution.” Mr. Ramesh framed the semiconductor push in light of what is being called “Industry 4.0,” “the fourth industrial revolution,” or “4IR”—all terms for the rapid technological advancements of the 21st century....