Union Minister stresses the importance of developing high-precision CNC machines and semiconductor manufacturing equipment domestically to reduce India’s dependence on imports.
BENGALURU, November 14, 2026: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday visited Bengaluru-based Ethereal Machines, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in precision engineering and the importance of developing indigenous machinery for semiconductor manufacturing.
During his visit to the manufacturing facility, Vaishnaw emphasised that India must move beyond dependence on imported industrial equipment and develop its own advanced machines and high-precision components. He said domestic manufacturing capabilities would play a crucial role in building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to Akashvani News, Ethereal Machines has developed computer numerical control (CNC) machines and precision components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The company has reportedly achieved manufacturing tolerances ranging from 2 microns to 20 microns, a level of precision important for several advanced industrial applications.
Why India’s Semiconductor Industry Needs Indigenous Machinery
Semiconductor manufacturing requires highly specialised equipment and components that must meet extremely precise engineering standards. These technologies are essential for producing chips used in smartphones, computers, artificial intelligence systems, automobiles, telecommunications, defence equipment and other advanced applications.
India has been working to strengthen its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, but access to specialised machinery and critical components remains an important part of the challenge.
Vaishnaw pointed out that several high-precision components required by the semiconductor industry are traditionally manufactured in countries such as Germany and Japan. Developing these capabilities within India could help reduce import dependence and strengthen the domestic industrial supply chain.
The minister also highlighted the broader importance of indigenous CNC manufacturing for sectors including defence, space technology, electronics and advanced manufacturing.
Ethereal Machines and India’s Precision Manufacturing Push
Ethereal Machines is a Bengaluru-based manufacturing technology company specialising in advanced CNC machines and precision engineering.
Its manufacturing capabilities are significant because semiconductor production requires more than chip-design expertise and fabrication facilities. It also depends on a wider ecosystem of specialised machinery, materials, components and engineering technologies.
The development of domestic manufacturing capabilities could create opportunities for Indian startups, engineering companies and technology suppliers to participate in the semiconductor supply chain.
The visit also reflects the government’s growing focus on supporting Indian manufacturing companies that can develop technologies previously sourced largely from international suppliers.
Semicon 2.0: Government’s ₹1,27,500 Crore Semiconductor Programme
The visit comes as India advances its semiconductor ambitions through the Semicon 2.0 programme.
On July 15, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 with a total budgetary outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore to strengthen India’s semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the programme focuses on six major pillars:
- Semiconductor chip design.
- Machines and manufacturing materials.
- Establishment of additional semiconductor fabrication facilities.
- Advanced packaging through ATMP/OSAT facilities.
- Research and development.
- Talent development and specialised training.
The inclusion of machines and materials as a dedicated pillar is particularly important. It recognises that semiconductor self-reliance requires domestic capabilities across the entire manufacturing chain, rather than concentrating only on chip fabrication.
The programme also aims to encourage research, support technology development and strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
What Does This Mean for India’s Technology Future?
Semiconductors have become strategically important for economic growth and national security. Their applications extend across artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, defence systems, telecommunications, consumer electronics and emerging technologies.
India’s ability to manufacture precision equipment domestically could strengthen its industrial capabilities and create opportunities for engineering innovation.
However, building a competitive semiconductor ecosystem will require sustained investment, advanced research, skilled professionals, reliable supply chains and collaboration between industry, startups and educational institutions.
The development of indigenous CNC technology represents one part of this larger effort.
Conclusion
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to Ethereal Machines highlights an important dimension of India’s semiconductor ambitions: the need to manufacture not only electronic chips but also the advanced machinery and precision components required to produce them.
With Semicon 2.0 providing a ₹1,27,500 crore policy framework, India is seeking to develop a more comprehensive domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
The long-term success of this initiative will depend on how effectively Indian companies translate engineering capabilities into commercially competitive manufacturing technologies and reduce dependence on imported equipment.
For India, the semiconductor race is not just about producing chips; it is also about building the technology and industrial infrastructure needed to manufacture them independently.
