India to Get Home‑Made Car Semiconductors by 2026

Tata Electronics has entered a strategic partnership with Japan’s ROHM Co. to assemble and test automotive-grade power semiconductors in India, with mass production expected by 2026. This move strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem, reduces import dependency, and supports the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Partnership will assemble and test automotive‑grade power semiconductors at Tata’s $3.2B Assam facility, strengthening India’s EV supply chain and global chip resilience.

Key Highlights:

• Companies involved: Tata Electronics (India) and ROHM Co. (Japan).
• Focus: Automotive-grade power semiconductors (specifically N-channel 100V, 300A silicon MOSFETs in TOLL packages).
• Location: New $3.2 billion Jagiroad facility in Assam, plus Tata’s broader semiconductor ecosystem including the Dholera fab in Gujarat.
• Timeline: Mass production shipments targeted for early 2026.
• Strategic importance: Builds a domestic supply chain for EVs and automotive electronics, reducing reliance on imports.
• Global impact: Chips will serve both Indian and international markets, enhancing resilience in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Why This Matters:

• India’s Semiconductor Mission: Supports the ₹76,000 crore national initiative to build a self-reliant chip industry
• EV Growth: Power semiconductors are critical for EV batteries, charging systems, and efficient energy management
• Global Supply Chain: Partnership adds resilience amid geopolitical tensions and chip shortages
• Technology Transfer: ROHM brings advanced semiconductor expertise, while Tata provides large-scale assembly/testing capacity
• Economic Boost: $3.2B investment in Assam creates jobs, skills, and regional development

Challenges & Risks:

• Execution timeline: Semiconductor fabs are notoriously complex; delays could push the 2026 target.
• Global competition: India must compete with established hubs like Taiwan, South Korea, and the US.
• Technology dependence: While ROHM provides designs, India still needs deeper R&D capabilities to move beyond assembly/testing.
• Supply chain vulnerabilities: Raw material sourcing (silicon wafers, chemicals) may remain globally dependent.

Strategic Context:

• Dholera, Gujarat: India’s first fab with Taiwan’s PSMC.
• Intel MoU: Exploring packaging/manufacturing of Intel products in India.
• Assam facility: Dedicated to assembly and testing, now aligned with ROHM’s automotive chip production.

Together, these moves position Tata as a central player in India’s semiconductor ambitions, with ROHM’s involvement marking a Japan-India technology collaboration milestone.