Nehru & Indira Drove Away Intel from India; it Went to China: BJP
The Indian technology industry has been a major driver of the country’s economic growth in recent decades. However, a recent statement by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has sparked a controversy, claiming that the country’s loss of semiconductor companies like Intel and Fairchild was a result of the policies of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Dubey’s statement has led to a heated debate, with many questioning the accuracy of his claims.
According to Dubey, Intel and Fairchild semiconductor companies were driven away from India by Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s policies, forcing them to set up shop in China instead. Dubey’s statement was made in a tweet, where he wrote, “It was because of Intel that Silicon Valley developed in America, where more than half of the jobs are held by Indians.” He further claimed that if Intel had stayed in India, the country would have become a major hub for technology and innovation.
Dubey’s statement has been met with skepticism by many experts and critics, who argue that the reasons for Intel’s departure from India were more complex and multifaceted. One of the main reasons cited for Intel’s departure was the lack of a suitable manufacturing ecosystem in India at the time. Intel had established a research and development center in India in the 1980s, but it was not equipped to handle large-scale manufacturing.
Another reason cited for Intel’s departure was the company’s decision to focus on China, which had emerged as a major manufacturing hub in the 1990s. China’s large workforce, favorable business environment, and government support made it an attractive destination for foreign companies looking to set up manufacturing facilities.
It is also worth noting that Intel was not the only company to leave India in the 1980s and 1990s. Many other foreign companies, including Fairchild, also left India during this period, citing similar reasons such as lack of a suitable manufacturing ecosystem and a favorable business environment.
Despite Dubey’s claims, it is clear that India’s technology industry has come a long way in recent decades. The country has become a major hub for software development, IT services, and startup innovation, with many global companies having set up operations in India. The Indian government has also made significant efforts to promote the growth of the technology industry, including initiatives such as the Startup India program and the Make in India initiative.
In conclusion, while Nishikant Dubey’s statement has sparked a controversy, it is clear that the reasons for Intel’s departure from India were complex and multifaceted. The lack of a suitable manufacturing ecosystem, the emergence of China as a major manufacturing hub, and the company’s decision to focus on other markets were all likely factors in Intel’s departure. Despite this, India’s technology industry has continued to grow and thrive, and the country remains a major hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Source:
https://x.com/nishikant_dubey/status/1956538914207883396
