Applied Materials has announced plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next decade, expanding its presence as the country pushes to develop a stronger semiconductor industry.
The U.S.-based company made the announcement on Thursday during SEMICON India, a major semiconductor industry event in New Delhi.
The investment will expand Applied Materials’ operations and technology capabilities in India, supporting the country’s ambitions to become a more important player in global chip manufacturing.
Semiconductors are essential components used in smartphones, computers, cars, artificial intelligence systems and many other modern technologies.
India has been working to attract major investments into chip manufacturing and related technologies as governments and companies around the world seek to strengthen semiconductor supply chains.
The announcement also comes as demand for advanced chips continues to rise because of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and data centres.
Applied Materials is one of the world’s major suppliers of equipment used to manufacture semiconductor chips. Its technology is used by chipmakers throughout the global electronics industry.
The investment could create opportunities across India’s technology sector, including semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, research and other supporting industries.
The move highlights how competition for semiconductor investment is spreading beyond traditional chipmaking centres as countries seek a larger role in the rapidly expanding global technology economy.
