India has given the world millions of software developers who power global apps. But the processors running all that code are designed and controlled abroad – mostly by the United States or China. The code may be ours, but the platform it runs on is someone else’s. Whether it’s Intel’s x86 or an ARM-based chip, the design and control lie outside India. And it’s not just phones or laptops – everything from EVs to defense systems and AI runs on processors. Without owning processor technology, India’s digital power remains incomplete.
Why Software Alone Isn’t Enough
Relying on software prowess while importing critical hardware is a strategic weakness. Code without hardware control is like building on someone else’s land. If the underlying chips have backdoors or export restrictions, our software advantage can vanish overnight. True tech independence means owning the full stack – both the code and the silicon. When India’s applications run on foreign chips, we are playing by their rules. This dependence limits innovation and leaves us vulnerable to supply shocks and geopolitical pressure. Software success means little if we lack hardware sovereignty.
US and China: The Chip Power Play
The United States has led the tech world for decades largely because its homegrown processor giants like Intel dominated microprocessors, allowing it to dictate standards and drive computing dominance. In the past decade, China has poured billions into developing its own processors to reduce reliance on US technology. From Huawei’s smartphone chips to supercomputers, China knows that controlling processor IP is key to tech leadership. The lesson is clear: those who design and control chips set the pace in everything from consumer gadgets to defense systems.
RISC-V: India’s Open-Source Chip Opportunity
Enter RISC-V, an open-source processor architecture – a chip blueprint anyone can use freely without royalties. Unlike ARM or Intel’s designs, no single company owns RISC-V. This means Indian engineers can design processors on a level playing field, free from licensing restrictions or foreign approval. India is already investing in this arena with government-backed programs to develop indigenous RISC-V chips. By embracing this open architecture, we can create everything from IoT microcontrollers to AI accelerators that are Made in India. RISC-V is our chance to build an independent chip ecosystem from scratch.
Beyond Coders: Nurturing India’s Chip Creators
If India aspires to be a global tech superpower, it must move beyond being the world’s software back-office and cultivate tech creators who master both software and silicon. We have millions of developers – now we need to train homegrown chip designers. Indian startups and research labs should be building processors optimized for our needs, from secure defense systems to everyday electronics. The government’s recent RISC-V push is a start, but it must be matched by education and industry investment. Developing apps is good, but designing the chips they run on is even better. By moving from coders to chip creators, India can gain true tech independence and secure its digital future.