Author: Aarya Shah | EQMint
New Delhi, September 30, 2025 — In a development that could redefine India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, Qualcomm, the American chipmaking giant, is in discussions with multiple suppliers — including the Tata Group — to set up chip packaging operations in India. The move highlights the country’s growing significance in the high-tech manufacturing space and aligns with the government’s push to build a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
The announcement was made by Akash Palkhiwala, Qualcomm’s Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, during a recent industry interaction. According to Palkhiwala, Qualcomm is exploring options to leverage India’s chip packaging capacity while keeping the door open for collaboration with new fabrication (fab) players.
Qualcomm’s India Push
For decades, Qualcomm has been at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, powering smartphones, connected devices, automotive electronics, and next-generation technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence. Now, with the world witnessing a tectonic shift in supply chains, the company is strategically looking to diversify its packaging and manufacturing base — and India has emerged as a key candidate.
India’s rapid digital adoption, coupled with its government’s commitment to strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem through initiatives like the Semicon India Programme, makes it an attractive destination for global chipmakers. Qualcomm’s discussions to bring chip packaging operations to India are being viewed as a vote of confidence in India’s capabilities.
Partnership with Tata Group
Among the names that have surfaced in Qualcomm’s talks, the Tata Group stands out prominently. Tata has already made significant strides in the electronics and semiconductor sectors through Tata Electronics and Tata Elxsi, with investments in chip design, packaging, and related infrastructure.
By partnering with Tata, Qualcomm would gain access to local expertise, strong infrastructure, and government support — all of which are crucial for setting up chip packaging facilities. The collaboration would also support Tata’s ambitions to establish itself as a major player in the semiconductor space, complementing India’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in critical technologies.
Why Chip Packaging Matters
While semiconductor fabrication (chip manufacturing) gets most of the headlines, chip packaging is equally vital in the overall production cycle. Packaging involves assembling and protecting semiconductor devices, ensuring durability, and enabling effective connections for use in electronic devices.
By localizing chip packaging in India, Qualcomm would not only help reduce reliance on traditional hubs like Taiwan and China but also create a resilient supply chain tailored to the growing demand for chips across smartphones, laptops, automotive electronics, and IoT devices.
India’s Semiconductor Opportunity
India’s semiconductor market is expected to grow exponentially, with estimates suggesting it could surpass $80 billion by 2030. The country’s strategic positioning — large talent pool, cost competitiveness, and strong government incentives — makes it a natural choice for companies looking to diversify beyond East Asia.
The Indian government has already approved multiple semiconductor projects and announced production-linked incentives (PLI) to attract global leaders. Qualcomm’s entry into the chip packaging segment could provide a major boost, encouraging other global players to consider India as a serious destination for semiconductor investments.
Palkhiwala’s Vision for India
During his remarks, Akash Palkhiwala emphasized Qualcomm’s openness to working with new fabrication players entering India. This indicates the company’s long-term vision of integrating with India’s broader semiconductor ecosystem, rather than limiting itself to packaging alone.
Palkhiwala highlighted that India’s growing base of electronics manufacturing and software development creates a unique synergy that global chipmakers cannot afford to overlook. By building strong local partnerships, Qualcomm aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chains, and serve the growing needs of global customers.
Potential Impact on Jobs and Economy
Industry experts believe Qualcomm’s potential entry into chip packaging could create thousands of high-skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and quality testing. It would also stimulate the growth of ancillary industries, from raw materials to logistics, adding momentum to India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Moreover, as global tech companies diversify their supply chains amidst geopolitical tensions, India could emerge as a preferred partner, especially in sensitive industries like semiconductors. Qualcomm’s interest, therefore, goes beyond business strategy — it signals a shift in global trust towards India as a credible semiconductor hub.
Challenges Ahead
While the prospects are exciting, challenges remain. Building a robust semiconductor ecosystem requires long-term investments, stable policies, and consistent execution. India will also need to address gaps in infrastructure, skilled workforce training, and access to advanced technologies to meet the complex demands of chip packaging and manufacturing.
Nonetheless, with major global players like Qualcomm expressing interest, industry insiders believe India has crossed a critical inflection point. What was once viewed as a distant dream — India playing a central role in the global semiconductor value chain — now looks increasingly achievable.
Looking Forward
As discussions progress, all eyes will be on how Qualcomm formalizes its partnerships in India and the scale of investments it commits. If the collaboration with the Tata Group materializes, it could mark a watershed moment not only for Qualcomm but also for India’s ambitions to become a semiconductor powerhouse.
The next few months are expected to bring more clarity, but one thing is certain: Qualcomm’s interest in India is a strong endorsement of the country’s potential to shape the future of semiconductors.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.
