India Accelerates Indigenous 7-nm “Shakti” Chip Push
India’s drive for semiconductor self-reliance has taken a significant leap with the announcement of an indigenous 7-nanometre (nm) chip development programme under the Shakti initiative. The programme, led by IIT Madras and backed by the India Semiconductor Mission, aims to achieve readiness by 2028, to enable full design-to-fabrication production within India.
The 7-nm Shakti processor is based on the open-source RISC-V architecture and aims to serve high-performance applications across AI, 5G, defense, and data-center domains. Compared to older nodes, a 7-nm design offers higher transistor density, lower power consumption, and better efficiency, making the project a strategic step for India’s electronics ecosystem.
Importantly for the mobility and tyre ecosystem, the localisation of semiconductor production signals changes across supply chains. Vehicles are increasingly embedding advanced chips for connectivity, sensors, and on-board computing. An indigenous chip strategy means better integration of local electronics with the vehicle platform, which could influence tyre systems, smart-tyre sensors, and connected fleets.
Editor’s View
As vehicles become smarter and connected, tyre systems must integrate with electronics, sensor modules, and data analytics. Localised chip manufacturing means shorter supply chains, improved responsiveness, and new opportunities for smart or connected tyre solutions. Tyre makers and mobility suppliers in India should start asking not just about tread wear or load ratings, but about how tyres fit into a digitally-enabled vehicle platform, and an ecosystem where localisation may become a competitive edge.
