February 19, New Delhi — Prime Minister Dick Schoof has stated that India and the Netherlands are close to finalizing a comprehensive cooperation agreement covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, water management, and defense.
In an exclusive interview with DD on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026, Schoof said his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on expanding collaboration in multiple areas.
"We discussed AI because of the conference, but we also discussed an agreement that India and the Netherlands want to achieve in different areas – water management, defense, semiconductors, and other issues," Schoof said.
He expressed hope that the agreement is in its final stages and could be signed later this year during a possible visit by Prime Minister Modi to the Netherlands.
Regarding semiconductor cooperation, Schoof addressed discussions involving Dutch chip equipment major ASML, the world's leading supplier of photolithography systems. He said that decisions regarding the supply of lithography machines are commercial matters for the company.
"As far as I understand, there are ongoing talks with partners in India," Prime Minister Schoof said, adding that an Indian minister is expected to visit the Netherlands and ASML in the coming weeks.
The Dutch leader emphasized that discussions on advanced semiconductor technology and broader strategic ties remain active as both countries seek to deepen their economic and innovation partnership.