Semiconductors and Agentic AI to Reshape India's Tech Landscape
Industry leaders explain how India's semiconductor push and agentic AI are set to transform telecom, manufacturing, and connected devices.
India is standing on the brink of a massive technological transformation. Driven by a dual push for domestic semiconductor capabilities and the rapid rise of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), the country's telecom and connected device ecosystems are poised for a radical overhaul. Industry experts suggest that these advancements will touch everything from chip design and manufacturing to autonomous networks and enterprise-grade connectivity.
The Rise of AI-Enabled Devices
As consumers shift from simple tools to intelligent assistants, the demand for more powerful hardware is skyrocketing. Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek India, highlights that the next big trend is the evolution of AI-enabled devices. Instead of just performing basic functions, smartphones and laptops are becoming capable of handling complex tasks through AI agents.
Jain notes that these devices will increasingly need to process Large Language Models (LLMs) directly on the "edge"—meaning the processing happens on the device itself rather than in a distant cloud. To meet this demand, companies are already developing specialized hardware, such as MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, which utilizes a dual neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate AI tasks.
Strengthening the Semiconductor Ecosystem
The Indian government's initiatives, specifically the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0 and 2.0, are playing a crucial role in building a robust domestic ecosystem. While the country is currently focusing on legacy semiconductor nodes, the long-term goal is to catch up with the most advanced manufacturing technologies.
While many major players remain "fabless"—focusing on design rather than physical manufacturing—the strengthening of India's electronics ecosystem through mobile phone manufacturing schemes provides indirect but significant benefits to the entire supply chain. As more indigenous fabrication plants emerge, India moves closer to its objective of technological self-reliance.
Telecom Disruption: From Connectivity to Autonomy
The impact of agentic AI extends far beyond personal gadgets; it is set to disrupt the very foundation of the telecommunications industry. Berjesh Chawla, Managing Director at Accenture India, suggests that AI agents could make network operations, IT management, and customer service almost entirely autonomous.
Telecom companies are no longer just providers of data; they are evolving into integrated solution providers. By leveraging their existing relationships with enterprises and MSMEs, these companies can offer sophisticated AI-driven services, including:
- Autonomous Network Operations: Reducing human intervention in managing complex grids.
- Cybersecurity and Authentication: Using AI to protect data flows.
- Sovereign AI: Developing nationally focused applications that prioritize local data residency and control.
The Road to 6G and Beyond
Looking toward the future, the conversation is already shifting toward 6G technology. Experts believe 6G will make connectivity pervasive, turning base stations into sensing centers that do much more than just transmit signals.
A key recommendation for India's tech strategy is to move from being a mere implementer of global standards to a leader in defining them. By promoting open technologies and identifying national priorities, India can avoid over-dependence on proprietary systems and secure its place in the next generation of global connectivity.