Ashwini Vaishnaw presents Vikram 32-bit processor, the first fully made-in-India chip to PM Modi

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Vikram 32-bit processor, which is India’s first-ever fully made-in-India microprocessor.

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The launch took place during the Semicon India 2025 conference in New Delhi. The chip, designed by the Semiconductor Laboratory in Chandigarh and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is intended for use in launch vehicles.

It is an advanced version of the indigenously developed 16-bit Vikram 1601 microprocessor that has powered ISRO rockets since 2009. The first batch of Vikram 3201 devices was tested during the PSLV-C60 mission earlier this year.

Vaishnaw said the processor was built to withstand the harsh conditions of space missions and marks an important step in reducing India’s reliance on imported chips.

The fabrication and packaging were carried out at the Semiconductor Hub in Mohali. He noted the chip’s ability to handle large amounts of memory and perform complex calculations, making it suitable not only for space but also for defense, aerospace, automotive and energy sectors.

Along with the memento containing the Vikram chip, Modi was also presented with 31 prototype chips created by academic institutions, including IIT Jammu, IIT Roorkee, IIT Dhanbad, NIT Durgapur, NIT Calicut and IIT Ropar.

Speaking at the conference, Vaishnaw said India’s semiconductor program has made rapid progress since the Indian Semiconductor Mission was launched three and a half years ago. He said construction is under way at five semiconductor units, with the pilot line of one unit completed and two more expected to begin production in the coming months.

“In these uncertain times, you should come to India because our policies are stable. We have managed the semiconductor mission in a transparent and professional way,” Vaishnaw told delegates. 

“Overall, the foundation of the foundational industry is laid very well.” Modi, addressing the gathering, said that while oil was once considered “black gold,” semiconductor chips have become the new “digital diamond.” 

Semicon India 2025, the fourth and largest edition of the annual conference, brought together more than 20,000 participants, including 2,500 delegates from 48 countries, 150 speakers and 350 exhibitors.

The event was organized by the India Semiconductor Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in partnership with SEMI, the global semiconductor industry body.