The semiconductor industry in India is rapidly growing. Lithography, the most crucial and precise technology in chip manufacturing, involves printing circuits at the nanometer level on a wafer. The Dutch company ASML is the world's largest and leading company in this technology, and its machines are used in the manufacture of almost every chip. Now, ASML's lithography tools will be used in India as well. During a visit to ASML's headquarters in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that these tools would be installed in the semiconductor plants being set up in Dholera. He visited the facility to closely understand the technology.

The semiconductor industry in India is growing rapidly. Lithography is the most precise technology used globally for manufacturing chips. This process is similar to printing circuits on a wafer, but with such precision that the work is done at the nanometer level. ASML, based in the Netherlands, is a global leader in this field. ASML's machines are so specialized that they are used in almost every chip manufactured worldwide. This company is a leading provider of lithography tools, and without them, it would be impossible to manufacture advanced chips. Their lithography tools will now be used even in small towns in India.

It should be noted that lithography tools from the Dutch company ASML will be used in the semiconductor plants being set up in Dholera. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced this on Friday during a visit to ASML's facility in Veldhoven, Netherlands. According to an official statement, Ashwini Vaishnav visited ASML's headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on Friday and inspected the technology.

A new beginning in the semiconductor industry

Ashwini Vaishnav said, "India has started a new chapter in the semiconductor industry. Lithography is the most complex and highly precise process in the entire semiconductor industry, printing circuits on wafers. The Netherlands-based company ASML is the world's largest and leading manufacturer of lithography tools, and almost every chip manufactured globally is made possible by their technology. Our semiconductor fab in Dholera will use ASML equipment. That's why I came here to understand this technology. This is a major step for India, as many semiconductor machinery companies around the world are now considering setting up base in India. This is due to India's strong design capabilities, talented talent, and the consistent and stable policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Dholera will be the center of the semiconductor revolution

Dholera may be a small town, but it's becoming the epicenter of India's semiconductor revolution. Previously, we relied on other countries for chips, but now our own factories are being set up. Companies like Tata are investing heavily in this area. According to Ashwini Vaishnav, the Dholera plant could begin commercial production in 2026. A total of four semiconductor plants are being built in India, and all of them will begin producing chips by 2026. It's not just about setting up plants. Semiconductor equipment manufacturers from around the world are now considering establishing bases in India, thanks to our country's strong design capabilities, talented youth, and Prime Minister Modi's consistent and stable policies. Previously, companies considered India merely a market, but now they are eager to come here and open factories and research centers. This will increase employment, bring technology, and make us self-reliant.

How does lithography work?

Lithography is considered a crucial part of chip manufacturing. ASML's machines perform EUV lithography, which can print extremely small features. Without it, chips 5nm or smaller cannot be made. First, a chemical called photoresist is applied to the silicon wafer, which reacts to light. Then, a pattern is projected onto a mask, changing the resist where the light falls. Development further refines the pattern, and then etching or other steps create the circuit. This process is repeated multiple times to build the chip layer by layer. ASML's machines perform this task with such precision that even the smallest features are accurately formed.

Now, if similar technology is introduced to Dholera, the small Indian town of Dholera will rival the world's largest high-tech cities. Semiconductors are the foundation of today's economy and security. Chips are used in mobile phones, computers, cars, and defense systems, and this will serve as a weapon for India. This small town will bring about significant change and strengthen our economy.

PC:News18