Technology collaboration at the heart of PM Modi's Europe outreach next week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Netherlands on May 15-17 will seek to widen partnership on semiconductor collaboration with Dutch company ASML, a global leader in chipmaking equipment.

Netherlands—a high-tech powerhouse—is a key pillar of the India-EU Trade and TechnologyCouncil. Modi will seek to upgrade technology partnership during his discussions in Holland, people said.

ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands, is the world's leading manufacturer of lithography machines essential for producing advanced semiconductor chips. Founded in 1984, the company dominates the global market, enabling chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel to create faster, smaller, and more efficient microchips using UV and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) technology.


Upcoming semiconductor fabs in India, specifically in Dholera, Gujarat, are set to utilise ASML's world-class lithography machines. The government views ASML as a crucial partner for the India Semiconductor Mission to accelerate local chip production and reduce import dependency.

The two countries are continuing to see increase in trade and investment ties. The Netherlands is India’s 11th largest merchandise trading partner and the largest in the European Union. During FY24, total merchandise trade with the Netherlands stood at $27.3 billion, according to the Indian Embassy in The Hague.

While there are over 300 Dutch companies operating in India, an equal number of Indian companies are present in the Netherlands, including all the top IT companies.

Modi’s trips to Sweden and Norway (India-Nordic Summit) between May 17-19 will focus on technology for renewable energy besides other critical tech in which Nordic countries specialise. In Sweden, the PM will visit Gothenburg—a major Swedish industrial hub. In the past, Gothenburg has hosted events celebrating the India-Sweden relationship, including "Make in India" initiatives and community events organised by the Indian embassy. Cooperation between India and Sweden is centred on innovation, technology, investment, and sustainability.

The Italy leg of Modi’s visit will have a strong focus on partnership between SMEs of both countries. The SME sector is a big pillar of the Italian economy.