EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, March 4 (GeokHub) - India has intensified its drive to build a domestic semiconductor industry, dispatching a high-level trade delegation to the Netherlands’ technology hub of Eindhoven in search of investment, expertise and strategic partnerships.
The visit underscores New Delhi’s ambition to position itself as a major player in global chip manufacturing at a time when supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical tensions and export controls linked to the U.S.-China technology rivalry.
Indian officials met with Dutch semiconductor firms and industry groups to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in equipment manufacturing and fabrication technology. The Eindhoven region is home to leading chip equipment maker ASML, along with dozens of specialized suppliers, and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors.
Billions in Incentives
India has pledged billions of dollars in subsidies to attract chip fabrication plants and related manufacturing facilities. Among the projects currently underway is a $14 billion semiconductor plant being developed by Tata Electronics in the western state of Gujarat.
Under the incentive program launched in 2021, the Indian government covers up to 50% of approved semiconductor project costs, while state governments may contribute an additional 20% to 25%. Officials indicated that a second phase of the subsidy program, potentially larger in scale, is expected to receive approval later this month.
Manish Hooda, technology director at the India Semiconductor Mission, encouraged Dutch firms pursuing a “China-plus-one” manufacturing strategy to consider India as a stable alternative base for expansion. He said India is open to companies establishing both production and research operations in the country.
Dutch Firms Seek Diversification
For Dutch companies, India presents an attractive opportunity as they look to diversify geographically. Export restrictions and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have pushed semiconductor firms to reassess supply chain risks and market exposure.
ASML recently disclosed plans to open a support office in India, signaling growing interest in the market. While company representatives declined to provide detailed timelines, the move aligns with broader efforts to deepen engagement with Asia’s emerging semiconductor ecosystems.
According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, dozens of Dutch firms sought meetings with the visiting Indian delegation, reflecting strong commercial interest.
Workforce and Strategic Partnership
India’s pitch is strengthened by its large engineering talent pool. Indian nationals already form a significant segment of the Dutch tech workforce. Government statistics show that the number of Indian residents in the Netherlands has tripled over the past decade, with more than 10,000 living in the Eindhoven region alone.
Officials from both sides are working toward announcing a broader strategic partnership during a planned visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year.
Industry analysts say collaboration between India and the Netherlands could accelerate the development of a resilient semiconductor supply chain spanning equipment manufacturing, design, and fabrication — a critical priority as global demand for advanced chips continues to surge.
