Private Sector Key to India-US
The private sector will play an indispensable role in translating India-US cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals into real-world outcomes, a senior Indian official said, as the two countries deepen cooperation in strategic technologies.
K Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, speaking at a roundtable on “Securing the foundation of AI together: US-India cooperation from minerals to microchips”, said that recent initiatives between India and the US are laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in strategic technology areas.
Naidu said, “India and the United States have built a comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century. Through initiatives on AI, quantum technologies, critical minerals, advanced energy, and reliable supply chains, we are now moving from principles to projects. The private sector will play an indispensable role in translating these frameworks into real-world outcomes.”
The roundtable was organized earlier this week by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in collaboration with the Embassy of India and Silverado Policy Accelerator.
Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) S. Krishnan underlined India’s rapid emergence as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.
Krishnan said, “India is establishing itself as a reliable and flexible partner in the global technology supply chain. Our electronics manufacturing ecosystem has expanded dramatically, semiconductor manufacturing is now becoming a reality, and the next phase of our semiconductor mission will build on this momentum.”
“Combined with India’s talent, digital public infrastructure and AI capabilities, we have the opportunity to develop solutions not just for India, but for the world,” he said.
India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra underlined the complementary strengths of the two democracies in advanced technologies.
He said, “The opportunities facing the United States and India span from chips to neural networks. India’s mission-based approach to semiconductor, AI, and quantum technologies, coupled with America’s innovation ecosystem, creates enormous potential for collaboration. Together, we can build a trusted, resilient technology ecosystem while ensuring secure access to the critical infrastructure that powers these emerging technologies.”
USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said microchips and critical minerals have become the “elixir” of the modern economy and will shape global technological leadership in the 21st century.
“The United States and India are uniquely positioned to build a credible 21st century technology partnership. From semiconductors and AI to critical minerals and quantum technologies, the government can set the enabling framework, but it is industry that will ultimately drive execution, innovation, and investment,” Aghi said.
Also present at the roundtable were Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Engagement at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Christopher Saldaña, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Critical Minerals, Materials and Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Energy.
