India Must Design Its Own Chips For Future Defence

A senior scientist warns that India cannot rely on imported technology for critical defence systems and must build its own computer chip industry.

On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, a senior scientist issued a sharp warning about India’s military readiness. He spoke in Bengaluru. B K Das is a Director General at the Defence Research and Development Organisation. This is the government agency that develops military technology. Mr. Das said the country cannot rely on foreign tech. He explained that even if a weapon system is 95 per cent made in India, it is not enough. If the final five per cent of critical parts are imported, the system is not safe. This includes things like computer chips or software. He spoke at an event for the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave. This is a major meeting for scientists and officials. It will take place in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October. The meeting is under the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government. It will bring together 12 different government ministries. Mr. Das urged Indian start-ups to focus on designing chips at home. He said the last square inch of silicon (the material used to make chips) will decide who wins future battles.

Why it matters

This warning matters because almost every modern machine we use depends on semiconductors, or chips. These tiny electronic parts act as the brains for many machines. They are used in mobile phones, cars, fighter jets, and factory robots. Currently, India imports most of the advanced chips it needs from other countries. If a conflict breaks out or global trade is disrupted, these supplies could be cut off. For ordinary people, a strong local chip industry means more than just better weapons. It could lead to thousands of high-skilled jobs for young engineering graduates. These students currently often look for work abroad. It also makes the prices of electronics and cars more stable. The government wants India to become a global power in this field by 2047. They have started the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (the national plan to build a chip industry). This plan helps companies build factories and design new chips within India. However, building these factories is very difficult. It requires a lot of money and many years of work.

The road ahead

• The upcoming science conclave in New Delhi will feature 12 special sessions on different technologies.

• The DRDO will lead discussions on next-generation chips and artificial intelligence, which are computer systems that can think like humans.

• Leaders from major companies like Micron India and the Tata Group will join the talks.

• Experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras will share their research on microprocessors, or the small brains of a computer.

• The government is now focusing on the tools and materials needed to make chips locally.

What's next

The ESTIC 2026 event at Bharat Mandapam will be a key moment. Scientists and business leaders must answer tough questions about how to speed up local production. While the government is offering support, building a full system for making electronics is a massive task. We need to know if private companies are ready to invest huge sums of money. Will the new jobs created be enough for the millions of students finishing college every year? Most importantly, can India really stop depending on foreign software and algorithms for its national security? The discussions in New Delhi later this month will show our progress. They will show how close the country is to achieving true technological independence. This will determine if India can truly protect its borders and its economy in the coming decades.