India’s semiconductor and AI push highlighted at WEF 2026: KPMG flags fabs, deep-tech R&D and IndiaAI rollout
A KPMG report launched at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos says India’s growing role in semiconductors and AI is reshaping its place in global trade and technology. The report points to approvals for multiple semiconductor fabrication plants, higher deep-tech R&D allocations and ecosystem-building initiatives such as India Semiconductor Mission and Semicon India. It also highlights expanding AI infrastructure and governance measures, including deployments under the IndiaAI Mission and the creation of a safety institute.
India’s fast-expanding ambitions in semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence were highlighted in a KPMG report launched at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, with the firm arguing that the country is moving from being an “emerging” player to a more “pivotal” force in the new geoeconomic order.
The report frames India’s technology trajectory as being driven by investments in advanced manufacturing capacity, digital infrastructure and talent development, alongside global partnerships that link supply chains, R&D and market access.
Semiconductors: from policy to execution
KPMG pointed to approvals for six semiconductor fabrication plants, alongside investments across fabrication, testing and advanced packaging. It also noted increased attention to upstream inputs—chemicals, minerals and gases—aimed at building a more integrated domestic supply base.
The report further cited government allocations for deep-tech research and development, positioning these moves as part of a broader attempt to build resilient capability in critical technologies and secure communications.
AI scaling, compute access and safety
On AI, KPMG highlighted expanding compute and adoption across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and defence. It referenced deployments under the IndiaAI Mission and also cited the creation of an IndiaAI Safety Institute as part of an effort to scale AI with governance frameworks.
The report argued that these combined initiatives could influence India’s competitiveness in advanced computing and its ability to shape standards, as businesses weigh India’s ecosystem for design, manufacturing, deployment and responsible AI practices.