From semiconductors to ports: PM Modi’s Netherlands visit opens new strategic chapter

Rashmi Pandey — Sat, 16 May 2026 17:12:03 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held high-level discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and top business leaders during his strategic visit to the Netherlands, with semiconductors, maritime infrastructure, clean energy and advanced technology emerging as key focus areas of the talks.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Jetten jointly interacted with CEOs and senior executives from leading Dutch companies operating in sectors including energy, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, ports and technology.

The business leaders reportedly presented investment and cooperation plans under three major strategic clusters semiconductors and innovation, infrastructure and maritime logistics, and sustainability, energy and agriculture. Officials described the interaction as a significant step toward strengthening India-Netherlands economic and technological cooperation amid shifting global supply chains and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

One of the biggest highlights of the visit was the signing of an agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML aimed at supporting India’s ambitious semiconductor fabrication project in Dholera, Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.

ASML is considered one of the world’s most critical semiconductor equipment manufacturers and plays a central role in global chip production technology. The agreement is expected to support India’s efforts to build domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities under its broader technology and strategic manufacturing push.

The Dholera semiconductor project has become one of India’s flagship initiatives as New Delhi seeks to reduce dependence on imported chips and position itself as a major player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The sector has gained enormous strategic importance following worldwide chip shortages, rising U.S.-China technology competition and efforts by countries to diversify supply chains.

Officials said discussions during the visit also covered cooperation in green hydrogen, sustainable agriculture, smart logistics, port modernisation and renewable energy partnerships. The Netherlands is already among India’s largest trading partners in Europe and a major source of foreign investment.

The maritime and logistics component of the talks is seen as particularly significant because Dutch companies possess advanced expertise in port management, inland waterways and shipping infrastructure. India has been actively modernising its ports and industrial corridors under multiple infrastructure initiatives.

The visit also underlined India’s increasing diplomatic focus on securing long-term technology partnerships with advanced economies as global geopolitical tensions reshape trade and industrial alliances. Analysts said semiconductor cooperation with ASML could prove strategically important for India’s long-term electronics and manufacturing ambitions.

India and the Netherlands have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation in recent years across sectors including climate action, water management, agriculture, digital technology and clean energy. The latest agreements indicate that economic and strategic collaboration between New Delhi and The Hague is entering a more technology-driven phase.

Officials described the visit as an important milestone in strengthening India-Europe economic engagement at a time when countries are seeking resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing partnerships and diversified technology ecosystems.

Dholera | Business Upturn

From semiconductors to ports: PM Modi’s Netherlands visit opens new strategic chapter