India, EU agree to coordinate policies in strategic semiconductor sector

Tags: International News

India and the European Union have entered into an agreement to coordinate their policies in the semiconductor sector.

An overview of the news

• The joint statement was issued after the first India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held in Brussels.

• It aims to enhance cooperation, foster innovation and strengthen competitiveness in this vital industry.

• The agreement emphasizes collaborative research and development activities between Indian and European companies, research institutions, and universities. 

• By pooling their expertise and resources, both parties aim to drive technological advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and applications.

• Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the agreement focuses on promoting skill development initiatives in the semiconductor sector. 

• India and the EU will jointly work towards training programs, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to nurture a talent pool equipped with cutting-edge skills.

• The agreement signifies the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the EU in the semiconductor sector. 

What are Semiconductor Chips?

• It is a material which has conductivity between conductor and insulator.

• Compounds of silicon or germanium or gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide are used in this.

• Why are semiconductors or chips so important?

• It serves as the centre and brain of all modern electronics and information and communication technology products.

• The chips are used as data-storing memory chips, or logic chips that run programs.

• Manufacturing of chips requires a lot of precision as well as investment.

• This requires special conditions where even small disturbances around or inside the manufacturing unit can hamper production.

About European Union

• The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.

• The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.

• It was founded on 1 November 1993

• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium