'Make in India' should diversify to other areas: Dell

Calling for diversification of the 'Make in India' campaign into semiconductors and electronics, US multinational computer firm Dell has said it looks to step up investments in India specially in manufacturing of microprocessors and photo voltaic cells.
Amit Midha, Head of Asia-Pacific and Japan region for Dell said most of the USD 22 billion deals signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Shanghai are energy-related and 'Make in India' should diversify into semiconductors and electronics.
India has to think how to step up manufacturing of semiconductors which could attract big investments from abroad, he said, adding Dell already has manufacturing plant in Chennai and its products are being exported to Africa and other countries.

"Dell which has over 27,000 employees in India looks to invest in India more specially in supply chain for semiconductors, manufacturing of microprocessors and photo voltaic cells," Midha, who is based in Shanghai, told PTI.
Midha said Modi's pitch for investments during China visit was first among many steps which are required.
Most of the agreements signed are on power and energy.

"Lots of works needs to be done. One visit is not going to fix all," he said.
The Digital India campaign can also shift to semiconductor and electronics manufacturing with special zones and incentives, he said.
Dell already involved in India where it has seven facilities and is stepping up in investments especially in R&D, Midha said adding that semiconductor expansion can create jobs just the way it did in China where over two million people were employed.

"Currently, we are in discussion with the Indian government on how they can help improve the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
"In unit terms, India manufactures less than one per cent of the global electronics demand, and a progressive 'Make in India' approach will allow large manufactures like Dell sufficient economy of scale in the short to medium term," he said.
Dell is bullish about the opportunities available in the Indian government business space and will look to work with relevant partners to deliver solutions to state and central governments, Midha said.