During a business summit in Brussels, Frank Heemskerk, a senior executive with Dutch semiconductor giant ASML, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his open, engaging approach toward industry leaders. Heemskerk said that India’s premier doesn’t simply meet executives — he actively invites critique and feedback.Heemskerk noted with a smile, “You’re too friendly, tell me what we can do better,” referencing a two-hour meeting between Modi and ASML’s CEO. He contrasted this with the challenges of engaging European officials, quipping that securing a meeting with a commissioner might be harder than getting time with senior U.S. officials.
The ASML executive urged European political leaders to mirror Modi’s style — to sit down with companies investing in their regions and engage actively with them.
He also touched on ASML’s recent €1.3 billion deal with French AI firm Mistral, saying the agreement stemmed from Mistral’s strong industrial AI focus rather than geopolitical motivations.