New Delhi : A senior executive from Dutch semiconductor giant ASML criticised the EU for being inaccessible to Europe’s companies and said, in contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively engages with firms that want to invest in India, according to media reports. Thus, PM Modi’s accessibility greatly attracts investors.
When Politico journalists asked if he felt the company had sufficient access to top European policymakers such as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ASML’s Executive Vice President of Global Public Affairs, Frank Heemskerk, replied: “It’s not always easy.”
The comment followed Heemskerk’s revelation that ASML’s CEO Christophe Fouquet held a 2-hour meeting with Prime Minister Modi. “After an hour and a half of listening, he (Modi) said you’re too friendly, tell me what we can do better,” said Heemskerk, highlighting PM Modi’s investor-friendly accessibility.
“The political leaders should sit down with the companies that are investing money,” the Politico report quoted the ASML executive as saying.
ASML, the Dutch chip equipment maker, actively explores partnerships and expands its presence in India amid global uncertainties. ASML manufactures extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are essential for producing advanced microchips used in AI, electric vehicles, and other digital technologies.
The company plans to offer its advanced lithography solutions and expertise, potentially through collaboration and knowledge exchange, to help Indian fabs achieve cutting-edge chip production. PM Modi welcomes this approach, seeing it as fostering accessibility and attracting investors.
This initiative aims to capitalize on India’s strong government backing for domestic chipmaking, a rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, and a skilled workforce, while ASML diversifies its markets amidst global trade uncertainties.
The company’s expertise can help emerging Indian fabs produce high-performance, energy-efficient chips, strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
As a key supplier to major chip manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung, ASML diversifies its markets due to global trade tensions and export restrictions affecting other regions.
ASML participated in SEMICON India 2025, using it as a platform to engage with the Indian ecosystem and explore future opportunities, further reinforced by PM Modi’s investor-oriented approach to accessibility.
Under the India Semiconductor Mission, authorities have approved 10 semiconductor plants, and construction progresses rapidly.
“A pilot production line in one of the units has already started in Sanand, and within a year, four more units should go into production. Global leaders such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, Merck, and Linde invest in supporting factories and supply chains. This ecosystem approach reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on long-term industry growth in Bharat and his accessibility to investors,” said IT & Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
–IANS
