Industry leaders representing the semiconductor, IT hardware, and mobile device sectors converged at Semicon India 2026 to establish a unified framework for national electronic manufacturing. This gathering marked the first instance where organizations including Semi, the Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the Indian Electronics and Cellular Association (ICEA), MAIT, and Elcina collectively explored mechanisms to synchronize their operational agendas.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Electronics and IT Minister, issued a direct appeal to these industry bodies to prioritize the development of complete electronic products designed and manufactured domestically. The call to action seeks to move beyond fragmented efforts, focusing instead on creating a cohesive ecosystem that supports the entire value chain from component design to final assembly.
Ashok Chandak, President of IESA, emphasized that the historical perception of competition between these associations is counterproductive to national objectives. He argued that these groups must function as interconnected nodes in a larger network rather than isolated entities competing for influence or policy alignment. The goal is to evolve institutional mechanisms that make these collaborations visible and effective for the broader electronics sector.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of the ICEA, proposed a logistical shift to consolidate major industry events such as the Bharat Electronic Manufacturing and Export Summit, Semicon, and the Indian Mobile Congress. By holding these trade shows concurrently, the industry aims to leverage synergies in supply chains and electronics manufacturing. This institutionalized approach requires support from the India Trade Promotion Organisation and the Department of Commerce to succeed.
Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of the global semiconductor body Semi, advocated for the creation of a permanent steering committee to prevent future policy divides. He noted that internal fragmentation within the industry serves as a significant barrier to national progress and economic scaling. A formal committee would provide a centralized platform for coordination and conflict resolution among the diverse stakeholders.
Rajoo Goel, Secretary General of Elcina, highlighted the technical distinction between semiconductor manufacturing and service-driven events like the India Mobile Congress. While he supports integration for scale, he cautioned that the alignment of disparate sectors requires careful consideration of their unique operational requirements. He maintained that while capacities can be financed through policy, technical capability must be earned through sustained, focused effort.
Suhail Zaidi, Director General of MAIT, reinforced that the government has clearly articulated national priorities for the sector. He stated that the responsibility now rests with the industry associations to translate these high-level directives into actionable agendas for their member companies. The focus has shifted from policy advocacy to the execution of large-scale manufacturing goals.
The push for unity addresses long-standing friction points regarding taxation and import duties that have historically divided component manufacturers from product assemblers. Industry bodies representing finished product companies have frequently lobbied for lower duties on imported parts to remain price-competitive in global markets. Conversely, associations representing component manufacturers have pushed for higher import duties to protect domestic production and incentivize local sourcing. This fundamental disagreement on tariff structures has often resulted in conflicting policy recommendations presented to government regulators. By aligning these interests, the industry aims to reduce the friction that currently hampers domestic value addition. The proposed steering committee represents a critical step toward formalizing this cooperation and balancing the needs of both component suppliers and device manufacturers.
Industry stakeholders now face the challenge of operationalizing these commitments before the next annual cycle. The success of this initiative will likely be measured by the ability of these associations to co-locate their trade platforms and present a singular, coherent voice to policymakers. This transition from competitive lobbying to collaborative strategy marks a significant evolution in the Indian electronics manufacturing sector.