The significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Netherlands visit, a two-day stop on his four-nation European tour, lies in its reflection of India’s attempt to reposition itself in the emerging global order—not merely as a large market, but also as a trusted technological and manufacturing partner in reorganised supply chains. That thought scaffolds the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership backed by a five-year roadmap and agreements across semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, migration and water management. As Europe looks to reduce its dependence on China and build resilience with democracies, India can be a critical partner.
A key outcome is the Tata Electronics-ASML partnership linked to the Dholera semiconductor fab in Gujarat. The Dutch equipment giant sits at the heart of the global chip ecosystem because of its dominance in the advanced lithography machines essential for semiconductor manufacturing. India has pledged billions of dollars in incentives to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem, with multiple projects underway. But semiconductor manufacturing requires far more than subsidies. It depends on technological trust, ecosystem depth and integration into tightly-controlled global supply chains. The Tata-ASML deal signals that India is beginning to acquire that credibility.
The timing is equally important. European semiconductor firms are seeking diversification amid US-China technology tensions. This creates a strategic convergence—Europe needs trusted manufacturing alternatives, while India needs advanced technology. The Netherlands partnership, therefore, fits into a broader geopolitical shift. Europe increasingly sees India not simply as a balancing power, but as a serious industrial and technological alternative in a fragmented global economy.
The PM’s wider Europe tour reinforces that trajectory. In Sweden, the discussions focused on artificial intelligence, defence and green technology. In Norway, the talks centred on green shipping and port infrastructure, while expanding collaboration in geotechnical engineering, digital health and medical research. The momentum behind the India-EU trade agreement also underscored how economics and geopolitics are now deeply intertwined. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s description of the pact as the “mother of all deals” reflected Europe’s intent of securing long-term strategic partnerships. The PM’s ongoing visit reflects a deepening of the partnership centred on technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and resilient supply chains. The strategic opening is significant, but India must now build on it through policy stability, faster execution and sustained industrial competitiveness.