Neelkanth Mishra on India’s $18 Billion Semiconductor Bet, GST Reforms & How Policy Shifts Will Shape the $20 Trillion Future ft Shrishti Sahu
India’s Semiconductor Bet & the Global AI Race
Hello everyone, welcome to The India Opportunity Show where you get a front-row seat to people building India’s future. We talk about unlocking the potential of the country with founders, investors, creators, and successful leaders from different fields to bring you real-life stories and behind-the-scenes of what it takes to be at the forefront of building the India Story.
Episode 7, Season 3 of The India Opportunity Show is out now! You can watch it on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
My guest today is Neelkanth Mishra — one of India’s most respected economists and policy voices. He is currently the Chief Economist at Axis Bank and Head of Research at Axis Capital, and also serves as part-time member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. Over the years, Neelkanth has built a reputation for sharp, data-driven insights that cut through market noise, from dissecting global trade wars to shaping India’s semiconductor roadmap as part of the India Semiconductor Mission.
In this conversation, we explore some of the most defining shifts of our time:
India’s semiconductor strategy and how we can realistically compete in a geopolitically sensitive industry.
The role of international partnerships and why building fabs is a decades-long journey.
The global AI race, how India’s digital infrastructure changes the equation, and what this means for jobs and innovation.
Big-picture reforms like GST, the formalization of the economy, and how these are reshaping India’s growth trajectory.
Whether you’re a policymaker, founder, or investor, Neelkanth’s ability to connect global macro forces with India’s long-term opportunities makes this an essential watch.
Chapters:
00:00 Semiconductor industry investment and India’s strategy
02:19 Targeted approach for attracting semiconductor manufacturers
07:41 Importance of international partnerships in semiconductors
15:09 Challenges in semiconductor fab proposals and current progress
22:50 Long-term timeline and technology upgrades for fabs in India
30:52 India’s position and timeline in the global AI race
39:14 AI diffusion and impact of digital infrastructure in India
46:50 India’s chip design ecosystem and career advice for youth
1:04:00 GST reform and business formalization boosting financing access
1:14:37 Geopolitical trade shifts and India’s economic growth outlook
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Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.