AMD Open to Acquisitions in India as Part of Expansion Push

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is open to acquiring chip-design and software companies in India as part of an ambitious expansion that could see the semiconductor giant employ more than 10,000 people in the country by 2028.

The strategy reflects AMD's broader push to compete with rivals like Nvidia Corp. in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, areas where India's engineering talent and growing digital economy present significant opportunities.

Vinay Sinha, AMD's managing director for sales in India, confirmed the company's openness to acquisitions in an interview with Business Standard, citing India's talent pool and alignment with AMD's strategic goals as key factors driving the interest in local deals.

AMD Eyes Acquisitions to Boost India Expansion Strategy

AMD already employs about 6,500 people across 10 locations in India, making it one of the largest foreign technology employers in the country. The company is investing $400 million to build what it says will be its largest design center in Bengaluru and plans to hire more than 3,000 additional engineers by 2028.

The expansion comes as global chip companies race to establish deeper footholds in India, which has emerged as both a major market for semiconductors and a hub for chip design talent. India's government has launched initiatives including an AI Mission and semiconductor manufacturing incentives to reduce dependence on imports and build domestic capabilities.

AMD's India operations are working on next-generation chip technologies, including 2-nanometer and 3-nanometer devices that represent the cutting edge of semiconductor manufacturing. The company is also collaborating with Indian academic institutions and government programs to foster innovation in sectors including telecommunications, healthcare and defense.

The potential for acquisitions signals AMD's confidence in India's long-term technology capabilities, even as the country's semiconductor manufacturing remains in early stages. While India has developed a thriving chip-design ecosystem, most manufacturing still takes place in countries like Taiwan and South Korea.

Industry analysts view AMD's acquisition interest as part of a broader trend of global semiconductor companies building stronger local presences in emerging markets seen as crucial for future growth and innovation.

The push into India also supports AMD's efforts to challenge Nvidia's dominance in AI chips. As demand for AI-powered applications surges, companies are seeking to secure access to the engineering talent needed to develop specialized processors and software.

For India, AMD's expansion represents validation of government policies aimed at creating a robust semiconductor hub. The country has been working to position itself as an alternative to China in global technology supply chains, particularly as geopolitical tensions have highlighted the risks of over-reliance on any single country for critical components.