NEW DELHI — A new briefing from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) outlines India’s expanding ambitions in high‑technology sectors, noting a coordinated push to develop domestic capabilities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and aerospace while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The IISS paper, released in early 2026, cites India’s recent policy initiatives—including the “Production‑Linked Incentive” (PLI) schemes for electronics and the “National Mission on Quantum Technologies”—as central to a broader strategy to position the country as a global technology hub. It highlights a projected increase in government‑backed R&D spending to roughly ₹2 trillion (about $24 billion) by 2030, a figure the institute says would place India among the top five national spenders on advanced tech research.
According to the report, India’s semiconductor roadmap aims to achieve 50 percent domestic content in chip manufacturing within the next decade, supported by new fab projects in Gujarat and Karnataka. The brief also notes that Indian firms are seeking partnerships with U.S. and European technology companies to acquire critical know‑how, while the government is tightening export controls on dual‑use technologies to align with “strategic autonomy” goals.
The IISS analysis points to several challenges. Supply‑chain bottlenecks, a shortage of skilled engineers and the need for stronger intellectual‑property enforcement are identified as potential constraints on the country’s growth trajectory. The institute also flags geopolitical risks, such as heightened U.S.–China tensions, that could affect India’s access to advanced equipment and markets.
Analysis: The IISS report underscores a shift in India’s industrial policy from cost‑competitiveness toward strategic self‑sufficiency. By channeling substantial public funds into high‑tech sectors, the government is attempting to create a domestic ecosystem that can compete globally and mitigate vulnerabilities exposed by recent trade disruptions. However, the success of these ambitions will depend on the ability to attract and retain talent, streamline regulatory processes and secure reliable supply chains for critical components. External partnerships may accelerate capability building, but they also expose India to the same geopolitical pressures that have prompted the policy shift.
Sources
– “Understanding India’s technology ambitions – The International Institute for Strategic Studies,” Google News India Technology, https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxNUEhjZkJsOGNJbjNKMkozdS1HanlvT3pMaDRvZllRT1VDVVIxVVRxeXlvUHdaLXNCYk5wTFlKOW9nMDdXemlRS213WkxsUHFZWmJrcXo5OUpIbjcyNTBBVFhuT0Q2Vi1Yb0lHRmEwTWh2eHVDODlidTBEYWZQUUFpV0hsTWVmRHh2VmdzTDI5NklNVUh0S0NqM0RXNUl6Xzk0bEVnTDJB?oc=5
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India Technology — source
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