Micron Moves Ahead with Phase 2 of Sanand Chip Plant Despite Delays
Micron儘管面臨延遲，仍推進Sanand半導體工廠第二階段計劃
American memory chipmaker Micron Technology is proceeding with the second phase of its $2.75 billion semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat, even as construction delays plague the first phase. The initial phase, handled by Tata Projects, was originally expected to be operational by late 2024 but has been pushed to late 2025. With 60% of the civil work completed but cleanroom construction yet to begin, Micron is now seeking a new contractor, with L&T and KEC International among the bidders. Despite setbacks, company officials remain confident that the plant will roll out its first chip in 2025, aided by significant government incentives covering up to 70% of project costs.
For non-Indian companies, the developments at Micron’s Sanand facility underscore both the opportunities and challenges of India’s growing semiconductor sector. The Indian government’s push for domestic chip manufacturing, backed by substantial subsidies, presents a compelling case for global players looking to diversify supply chains. However, the delays highlight potential hurdles in large-scale infrastructure execution, making it essential for foreign investors to assess risks and partnerships carefully before entering the Indian market.
小編點評：Micron科技公司正在推進位於古吉拉特邦薩南德的27.5億美金的半導體工廠的第二階段，儘管第一階段被推遲，導致第二段遲至2025年底。由於土木工程已經完成60%，該公司目前尋找新的無塵室建設做承包商。印度半導體產業目前快速發展，能對台灣公司提供合作機會，尤其是因爲台灣政府對國内半導體生產的大力支持
Lam Research to Invest $1.2 Billion in Karnataka to Boost India’s Chip Sector
科林研發在印度卡納塔卡邦晶片產業投入$12億美金
U.S.-based semiconductor equipment maker Lam Research has announced a $1.2 billion investment in India’s Karnataka state over the next few years, marking a significant boost to the country’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) during the ‘Invest Karnataka’ event, reinforcing India’s ambitions to establish itself as a key player in global chip manufacturing. This investment aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s $10 billion incentive package to attract semiconductor firms, as India aims to build a $63 billion semiconductor market by 2026.
For non-Indian companies, Lam Research’s move signals growing confidence in India’s semiconductor expansion efforts and presents opportunities for collaboration, supply chain partnerships, and investment in India’s emerging chip sector. As global players seek alternatives to traditional semiconductor hubs like Taiwan, India’s policy-driven incentives and expanding infrastructure make it an increasingly attractive destination for chip-related industries. However, foreign investors should carefully evaluate execution challenges and regulatory dynamics before committing to large-scale projects.
小編點評：隨著政府$100億美金的補助誘因，科林研發爲了支持印度不斷成長的半導體產業，將在卡納塔卡投資$12億。此投資再次凸顯印度成爲晶片生產的領導國家，且預期在2026年達到$630億的市場規模。此動作給予國際企業與印度不斷擴大的半導體產業合作的機會，不過執行面的評估及常見衝突的分析是必須的。
India Unlikely to Lift Ban on Chinese Investments Amid Trade Imbalance Concerns
貿易失衡擔憂使印度愈來愈不可能對中國投資解封
India is not expected to ease restrictions on Chinese investments in the near future, according to Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, he emphasized the need for both nations to acknowledge their mutual dependence before policy changes can be considered. India imposed tighter scrutiny on Chinese investments in 2020 following deadly border clashes, which significantly strained diplomatic and economic ties. Meanwhile, India has initiated talks with China to address its widening trade deficit, which currently stands between $93 billion and $95 billion.
For non-Indian companies, India’s stance on Chinese investments highlights the broader geopolitical risks affecting foreign direct investment (FDI) policies. While global firms looking to expand in India may benefit from reduced competition from Chinese players, they must also navigate shifting trade dynamics and regulatory barriers. This ongoing tension underscores the need for businesses to closely monitor India-China relations and diversify their supply chain strategies accordingly.
小編點評：自2020年印度由於貿易失衡擔憂不太可能解鎖向中國投資的禁止。此立場對海外公司既是機會又是風險，因爲來自於中國企業的競爭將減少，但必須面對不斷變化的貿易動態以及監管挑戰。
IndiaAI Mission to Fund Indigenous AI Models, Rejects Fine-Tuning of Existing LLMs
印度AI 資助開發本土AI模型的計劃，拒絕使用只被微調過的現有LLM
The Indian government has clarified that proposals under the ₹1,500 crore ($180 million) IndiaAI Mission must focus on developing original foundational AI models rather than fine-tuning existing ones. During a Q&A session on February 11, officials emphasized that merely building on open-source models like LLaMA 3 or DeepSeek would not qualify unless significant innovation is demonstrated. Preference will be given to models supporting multiple Indian languages, and distillation-based approaches will be evaluated case by case. The initiative, announced by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to create multiple generative AI models within 10 months, with funding provided through direct grants or compute credits.
For non-Indian companies, this move signals India’s ambition to establish a homegrown AI ecosystem, reducing dependence on foreign technology. It also presents opportunities for global AI firms to collaborate on research, infrastructure, and cloud computing services tailored to India’s AI ambitions. However, businesses looking to participate must align with India’s emphasis on originality and multilingual AI development rather than repurposing existing models.
小編點評：印度政府的150億盧比印度AI計劃將資助原創AI模型的發展，優先開發多語言能力及創新，而不重視微調已存在的那些模型。此計劃打透過補助或計算分點數的資金在十個月内創造幾個生成式的AI模型。雖然為國際AI企業打開合作的機會，但是他們必須配合印度對本土創新AI科技的期待。
Tamil Nadu Officials Step In to Resolve Samsung Factory Labor Dispute
泰米爾納德邦官員交涉解決三星工廠勞動糾紛
State officials in Tamil Nadu are set to visit Samsung’s factory in Sriperumbudur to mediate a labor dispute that has led to a nine-day sit-in protest by 500 workers. The protest was triggered by the suspension of three employees, with the workers’ union demanding their reinstatement before returning to work. Tamil Nadu’s labor minister, C.V. Ganesan, expressed confidence that normal operations would resume within two to three days. While Samsung has called the strike illegal, it has maintained that production remains unaffected, reportedly by hiring contract workers—an issue that state authorities are also investigating. The factory, employing 1,800 workers, produces appliances like refrigerators and washing machines and contributed significantly to Samsung’s $12 billion Indian sales in 2022-23.
For non-Indian companies, the ongoing labor disputes at Samsung’s Tamil Nadu plant highlight the complexities of workforce management in India’s manufacturing sector. While India remains a key destination for global electronics production, frequent labor unrest underscores the importance of strong labor policies, union negotiations, and compliance with local employment laws. Businesses looking to expand in India should closely monitor labor dynamics to mitigate operational disruptions.
小編點評：泰米爾納德邦官員正在協助解決三星斯里佩魯姆布杜爾工廠的勞動糾紛，該工廠 500 名工人因三名員工被停職而罷工。此衝突凸顯了印度製造業勞動力管理的複雜性，並強調了在該國擴張的企業需要強而有力的勞工政策與工會談判
GenAI to Boost Retail Productivity in India by Up to 37%, Says EY Report
根據EY的報告，GenAI使印度零售業的生產力提升37%
A growing number of Indian businesses are adopting Generative AI (GenAI) to drive efficiency, improve customer experiences, and streamline operations, according to EY India’s latest report, The AIdea of India: 2025. The study predicts that GenAI will enhance retail productivity by 35-37% over the next five years, transforming areas such as pricing, promotions, and supply chain management. Currently, 48% of surveyed organizations have initiated proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, while 32% have either allocated budgets or are preparing to invest in GenAI. Experts highlight that store operations, sales functions, and manufacturing will see major improvements, with potential efficiency gains of up to 45%.
For non-Indian companies, India’s rapid GenAI adoption presents opportunities for collaboration in AI-driven retail, supply chain optimization, and digital transformation. Global brands such as H&M, Coca-Cola, and Amazon are already leveraging GenAI for sustainability, logistics, and cashierless checkout, reflecting a broader industry shift. As India advances in AI-enabled retail innovation, international companies can explore partnerships, investment opportunities, and market expansion while addressing challenges like workforce upskilling and balancing automation with human-centric experiences.
小編點評：根據EY的報告，生成式人工智慧（GenAI）預計將在未來五年內將印度的零售業生產力提高 35-37%，從而改變定價、行銷和供應鏈管理等領域。在受訪的組織其中近一半正在測試 GenAI，包括很大的一部分正在規劃未來投資。此不僅提供給全球公司在AI零售與供應鏈管理領域上合作的機會，而且處理提高員工技能以及平衡自動化與人本設計等挑戰