Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned that India’s growing semiconductor industry could face attempts at disruption as the country establishes itself as a new player in the global chip ecosystem. Speaking to NDTV, Vaishnaw said the industry should be prepared for cyberattacks, misinformation and physical disruptions, arguing that semiconductors have become a strategic sector.
India semiconductor industry must prepare for disruption
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw referred to alleged incidents during the early phase of Apple’s manufacturing expansion in India to illustrate the kinds of challenges he believes the country could encounter as its manufacturing capabilities grow.
He alleged that there had been attempts to disrupt operations through incidents including food poisoning, the cutting of electricity wires and misinformation. He also referred to a Reuters report about claims that married women were not being allowed to work at an Apple supplier, describing it as fake news.
These claims were made by Vaishnaw during the interview and have not been independently established in the report.
The minister said similar challenges could emerge as India expands its semiconductor capabilities and attracts greater international attention.
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Cyberattacks and fake news among concerns
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Indian semiconductor industry should be prepared for multiple forms of disruption rather than treating the challenge purely as a manufacturing issue.
He warned that cyberattacks could target companies and infrastructure, while misinformation could be used to create uncertainty around the sector. He also raised the possibility of physical attacks and other disruptions.
The minister said the government and industry would need to remain prepared because semiconductor manufacturing is strategically important for modern economies and technology supply chains.
Semiconductors are used in a wide range of products, from smartphones and computers to automobiles, industrial equipment and defence systems. Their strategic importance has increased with the expansion of artificial intelligence and the global race to secure resilient chip supply chains.
SEMICON India highlights growing semiconductor ambitions
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s warning came as SEMICON India 2026 concluded in New Delhi. The three-day event at Yashobhoomi brought together more than 600 exhibitors, including around 300 international companies, with representatives from 52 countries. The event also recorded 56 MoUs, announcements, and strategic initiatives across chip design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, equipment, materials, research, and talent development.
The government has also outlined Semicon 2.0, which aims to expand India’s capabilities across the wider semiconductor value chain, including design, equipment, fabrication, advanced packaging, research and talent.
For India, the next phase will therefore involve not only building semiconductor facilities but also protecting the ecosystem from technological, operational and geopolitical risks. Vaishnaw’s warning reflects the government’s stated view that preparedness will be key to establishing India as a semiconductor manufacturing and technology hub.
FAQs
Why did Ashwini Vaishnaw warn about sabotage attempts?
Vaishnaw said India’s growing semiconductor capabilities could attract opposition and potential attempts at disruption.
What threats did Vaishnaw identify?
He cited possible cyberattacks, fake news, physical attacks and other forms of disruption.
What is SEMICON India 2026?
SEMICON India 2026 was a three-day semiconductor industry event in New Delhi featuring global companies, industry announcements and initiatives aimed at expanding India’s chip ecosystem.
