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India's Chip Ambitions Boosted by ASML Tech, Says Minister Vaishnaw

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained the critical importance of his visit to ASML in the Netherlands, describing lithography as the most complex and precise process in semiconductor manufacturing. He confirmed that India's upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, will utilize equipment from ASML, the world's leading lithography tool provider. The visit aims to understand advanced technologies and strengthen collaboration, with Vaishnaw noting that global equipment manufacturers are now looking to establish a base in India due to its design talent and policies. This engagement is seen as a major opportunity to accelerate India's ambitions in high-tech manufacturing and innovation within the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Points: Vaishnaw Visits ASML, Key to India's Semiconductor Mission

  • Lithography is most complex chip-making step
  • ASML is global lithography leader
  • Dholera fab will use ASML equipment
  • Visit aims to strengthen tech collaboration
  • Global manufacturers eyeing India base
3 min read

"ASML world's leading provider of lithographic tool": Vaishnaw highlights importance of Netherlands visit for India's Semicon mission

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the importance of ASML's lithography tools for India's new Dholera chip fab and growing semiconductor industry.

"ASML... is world's leading provider of lithographic tool. They are the ones who enable practically every chip which is manufactured in the world. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

By Ayushi Agarwal, Veldhoven, January 23

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday explained the significance of his visit to Veldhoven in the Netherlands, stating that India has embarked on building a new semiconductor industry and that lithography remains the most complex and precision-intensive process in chip manufacturing.

Speaking to ANI, Vaishnaw said lithography, which involves printing circuits onto semiconductor wafers, is a critical step in the entire value chain.

Noting that the semiconductor equipment maker ASML, based in the Netherlands, is the world's leading provider of lithography tools and enables the manufacturing of almost every semiconductor chip globally, the Union Minister said that India's upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat will be using equipment from ASML.

"India has started a new semiconductor industry and in the entire semiconductor industry, lithography, which basically means printing the circuit on the wafer, is the most complex and the most precision work which is required to be done. ASML, here in Netherlands, is world's leading provider of lithographic tool. They are the ones who enable practically every chip which is manufactured in the world. Our fab in Dholera will be using the ASML equipment," Vaishnaw told ANI.

The Union IT minister said his visit to the Netherlands was aimed at understanding advanced technologies and strengthening collaboration, calling it a major opportunity for India. He noted that several global equipment manufacturers are now considering establishing a base in India, driven by the country's strong design capabilities and skilled talent pool.

Emphasising India's growing role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, the minister said such engagements would help accelerate the country's ambitions in high-tech manufacturing and innovation

"So, I have come to visit here and understand their technology and this is going to be a major thing for India because many of the equipment manufacturers from all over the world are now looking at a base in India because of the design capabilities, because of the talent and because of the consistent policies of our Prime Minister," Vaishnaw said.

India's semiconductor journey reached a milestone in September 2025 as the first set of Made-in-India chips from a pilot line was presented to PM Modi by Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The India Semiconductor Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2021. With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, the programme aims to provide financial support for investments in semiconductor fabrication, display manufacturing and chip design to strengthen India's integration into global electronics value chains.

Envisioned to be led by global experts in the Semiconductor and Display industry, ISM aims to build a strong semiconductor and display ecosystem, positioning India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design, while serving as the nodal agency for the efficient and seamless implementation of semiconductor and display schemes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally seeing concrete steps! For years we've been talking about semiconductors. Getting the best equipment is crucial, but the real test will be operational efficiency and creating a sustainable ecosystem for our engineers. Hoping this leads to more high-tech jobs here.
R
Rohit P
ASML machines are engineering marvels. If we can master their operation and maintenance, it will be a huge skill upgrade for our technical workforce. This is about more than chips; it's about absorbing cutting-edge tech knowledge.
S
Sarah B
As someone in the tech industry, this is promising. Global supply chains need diversification, and India has the talent pool to become a reliable partner. Attracting equipment makers to set up base here is the logical next step after the fab.
V
Vikram M
Good move, but the cost and complexity are staggering. ₹76,000 crore is a massive investment. We need transparent oversight to ensure this mission delivers value for the nation and doesn't just become another capital-intensive project with delayed results. The intent is right, execution is key.
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of long-term vision we need. From software to hardware! If we can build a domestic semiconductor industry, it will secure our electronics and defense needs and reduce import dependence. Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action.

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