'We Will Face Cyber Attacks': Ashwini Vaishnaw Warns Of Sabotage As India Chases Semiconductor Ambitions

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned that India's semiconductor industry should anticipate cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and physical sabotage as the nation's stature in the sector expands. Vaishnaw's caution was based on Apple's manufacturing rollout in India, which faced coordinated disruptions from the outset.

These tactics included instances of food poisoning, cut electricity wires, and fabricated reports alleging that married women were barred from working at manufacturing sites. Vaishnaw attributed these actions to parties who found India's rise as a manufacturing hub objectionable and aimed to undermine the push. He stated that a similar pattern of resistance is now expected as India solidifies its position in chipmaking.

Vaishnaw emphasized that global attention on India's semiconductor entry will attract both support and opposition, with the latter actively trying to create problems. He advised industry stakeholders to prepare for such incidents, noting that disruption will undoubtedly occur. Vaishnaw's warning was explicit - India's semiconductor sector will face cyber attacks, alongside a surge of fake news and attempts at physical sabotage targeting stakeholders.

He highlighted the strategic value of semiconductors, stating that opposing interests will not easily relinquish their stance, and that India must actively assert its position in this critical industry.