Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the headquarters of ASML in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on January 23, 2026, underscoring India’s deepening engagement with global semiconductor technology leaders as the country builds its domestic chip manufacturing ecosystem.
During the visit, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said India has embarked on the creation of a new semiconductor industry, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing capabilities. He noted that lithography, the process of printing intricate circuit patterns on semiconductor wafers, is the most complex and precision-intensive stage in the entire semiconductor value chain.
The Union Minister highlighted that ASML is the world’s leading provider of lithography equipment and that its technologies enable the manufacture of nearly every semiconductor chip produced globally. He informed that the upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility at Dholera in Gujarat will use ASML equipment, making the visit significant for understanding cutting-edge lithography technologies and strengthening collaboration.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised that India is increasingly emerging as an attractive destination for global semiconductor equipment manufacturers. He attributed this to India’s strong design capabilities, large and skilled talent pool, and the consistency and long-term clarity of policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the establishment of a presence by ASML and other global equipment makers in India would mark a major milestone in the country’s semiconductor journey.
The visit reflects India’s broader strategy to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem spanning design, manufacturing, equipment, materials and talent development, while integrating with global supply chains and advanced technology partners.
ASML is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and specialises in the development of photolithography systems used to produce integrated circuits. The Dutch multinational company plays a critical role in enabling chipmakers to manufacture smaller, faster and more energy-efficient chips through high-precision patterning on silicon wafers. An ASML delegation had earlier participated in SEMICON India 2025, where it expressed strong interest in partnering with India in the development of its semiconductor sector.
