India Set to Become a Key Player in Global Semiconductor Landscape, Says Derek Shields
At Semicon India 2026, Derek Shields highlighted Indias growing semiconductor ecosystem and its potential for global impact.
New Delhi, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Semicon India 2026 event took place from September 17 to 19 at the India International Convention and Expo Center in New Delhi. The conference has seen a surge in confidence from global investors regarding India’s semiconductor industry. On the final day, Derek Shields, Business Development Director at Pfeiffer Vacuum India, emphasized that India is transitioning from the early stages to real expansion in its semiconductor ecosystem.
He described the vision of “Made in India for the World” as the next step in this growth trajectory. “What a fantastic show Semicon India has been,” Shields remarked. “It’s been incredibly busy. You can certainly say that the semiconductor ecosystem in India is definitely on the rise. I’ve observed this growth year after year, but now it feels much more tangible. There is substantial investment happening in India, making it a focal point for attention.”
Shields further noted that they are personally investing considerable time and resources to support the planned expansion of semiconductors in the country. “It’s wonderful to see this growth,” he added.
Regarding the business landscape in India, Shields mentioned, “I still see India as being in its early stages. A lot of investment is flowing in, primarily from supply chains to support the industry. It feels somewhat isolated at the moment. This is ‘Made in India,’ but as Prime Minister Modi has previously stated, it is ‘Made in India for the World’ and aims to go global.” He anticipates that while this is underway, there is still a need to establish the necessary infrastructure to bring it into the mainstream.
On the topic of strategic partnerships, Shields explained that collaboration is key, involving partnerships, enterprises, and joint ventures. Significant investments are coming into India from external sources and the government, which he believes is crucial. If this trend continues, India is poised to emerge as a serious and significant player in the semiconductor field, given the current activities in the Indian ecosystem. However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in attracting knowledgeable and internationally trained personnel to the country. Experience will be essential for success in this endeavor.
