India eyes Taiwan, Singapore partnerships to develop semiconductor workforce

India's push to establish itself as a semiconductor manufacturing hub has prompted policymakers to consider drawing expertise from established chip-making economies in Asia. Government officials are in discussions with premier technical institutes in Taiwan and Singapore to design training programmes that would create a steady supply of qualified personnel for India's semiconductor industry.

The proposed collaboration would focus on developing two critical categories of workers: semiconductor engineers with advanced technical qualifications and skilled shop-floor workers trained in the manufacturing of semiconductor-related components. This two-pronged approach is intended to address both the engineering and production needs of semiconductor fabrication facilities and their supply chains.

Under the proposed arrangement, institutes in Taiwan and Singapore would share curriculum standards, manufacturing practices, and technical expertise with Indian counterparts. The initiative reflects India's recognition that building a competitive semiconductor sector requires not just capital investment and manufacturing facilities, but also a workforce with capabilities aligned to global industry standards.

The move comes as India accelerates plans to reduce dependence on foreign chip manufacturing and attract major semiconductor producers to set up operations domestically. Several international chipmakers have announced expansion plans in India in recent months, amplifying the urgency to develop local talent capable of supporting large-scale semiconductor production.