Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the upcoming Dholera semiconductor facility will incorporate advanced lithographic tools from Dutch technology leader ASML. The announcement came during Vaishnaw's official visit to ASML's headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands, where he gained insights into the technology that will be integral to India's ambitious chip manufacturing project.

Major Investment and Government Support

The Dholera semiconductor project represents one of India's largest technology investments, with key financial backing from multiple sources:

This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the significant backing for India's burgeoning semiconductor industry and reflects the government's strategic priority to develop domestic chip manufacturing capabilities.

ASML's Critical Role in Chip Manufacturing

ASML stands as a global leader in providing lithographic tools essential for semiconductor production. "Our fab in Dholera will be using the ASML equipment. So, I have come to visit here and understand their technology," Vaishnaw explained during his Netherlands visit. Lithography involves the precise process of printing circuits on wafers, representing one of the most crucial and intricate steps in semiconductor manufacturing.

The partnership with ASML marks a pivotal moment for India's semiconductor ambitions, as the country gains access to cutting-edge technology that powers the global chip industry. This collaboration positions India to compete effectively in the international semiconductor market.

Strategic Implications for India's Tech Sector

The minister emphasized that ASML's involvement signals growing international confidence in India's semiconductor potential. Many global equipment manufacturers are now considering establishing operations in India, driven by several key factors:

• Strong design capabilities within the Indian technology sector
• Vast pool of skilled technical talent
• Consistent policy framework under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership
• Growing domestic and regional demand for semiconductor products

ASML's decision to expand its presence in India, announced last year, aligns perfectly with the country's semiconductor development trajectory and reinforces India's emergence as a significant player in global technology manufacturing.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The Dholera project represents more than just a manufacturing facility—it symbolizes India's strategic entry into advanced semiconductor production. By leveraging ASML's sophisticated lithographic technology, India aims to establish itself as a reliable alternative in the global semiconductor supply chain.

This development is expected to attract additional international players to India's semiconductor ecosystem, creating a multiplier effect that could accelerate the country's technological capabilities and economic growth. The collaboration between Tata Group and ASML demonstrates how strategic partnerships with global technology leaders can help emerging markets leapfrog into advanced manufacturing sectors.

The World Bank Group has sanctioned comprehensive long-term financing for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project in Bhutan, marking a significant milestone in regional clean energy cooperation. The project represents a joint venture between Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (60%) and Tata Power (40%), India's largest private integrated power company, operating through a Special Purpose Vehicle called Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited.

Project Scale and Impact

The Dorjilung project stands as Bhutan's largest hydropower initiative developed under a public-private partnership model. Key project specifications include:

The project will significantly expand Bhutan's installed energy capacity and strengthen the country's position as a reliable clean energy exporter to India. Tata Power Trading Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, will handle power importation into India and manage onward distribution.

Comprehensive Financing Structure

The World Bank Group has structured a multi-institutional financing package totaling $815 million across various instruments:

The remaining funding requirements for the project will be arranged from various market participants, with the World Bank's approval providing long-term visibility and strengthening both partners' ability to advance the project systematically.

Regional Cooperation and Strategic Benefits

The Dorjilung project reinforces the enduring energy cooperation between Bhutan and India, demonstrating how regional partnerships can deliver shared economic and environmental benefits. The initiative advances South Asia's clean energy landscape while showcasing effective collaboration between governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector entities.

The project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and support livelihoods in the Mongar and Lhuentse districts of Bhutan. This comprehensive approach ensures that the project delivers sustainable value for all stakeholders while contributing to regional energy security.

Company Portfolio Context

Tata Power maintains a diversified portfolio of 15.9 GW spanning the entire power value chain, including renewable and conventional energy generation, transmission, distribution, trading, storage solutions, and solar manufacturing. The company operates 7.0 GW of clean energy generation, representing 44% of its total capacity, while serving approximately 13 million customers nationwide. The company has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045, positioning the Dorjilung project as a strategic component of its clean energy transition strategy.