Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 28: The private sector will play a crucial role in converting India-US cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals into tangible outcomes, a senior Indian official said as both countries strengthen collaboration in strategic technology sectors.
Speaking at a roundtable titled “Securing the Foundations of AI Together: US-India Cooperation from Minerals to Microchips”, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs K Nagaraj Naidu said recent initiatives between the two nations were creating a strong foundation for long-term cooperation in advanced technologies.
“India and the United States have built a comprehensive strategic partnership fit for the 21st century. Through initiatives spanning AI, quantum technologies, critical minerals, advanced energy, and trusted supply chains, we are now moving from principles to projects. The private sector will play an indispensable role in transforming these frameworks into real-world outcomes,” Naidu said.
The roundtable was organised earlier this week by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in association with the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. and Silverado Policy Accelerator.
Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology S Krishnan highlighted India's growing role as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.
“India is positioning itself as a trusted and resilient partner in the global technology supply chain. Our electronics manufacturing ecosystem has expanded dramatically, semiconductor fabrication is now becoming a reality, and the next phase of our Semiconductor Mission will build on this momentum,” Krishnan said.
He added that India's talent pool, digital public infrastructure and AI capabilities could help develop solutions not only for India but for the world.
India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra stressed the complementary strengths of India and the United States in advanced technologies.
“The opportunity before the United States and India extends from chips to neural networks. India's mission-based approach across semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies, combined with America's innovation ecosystem, creates enormous potential for collaboration,” he said.
US-India Strategic Partnership Forum President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said microchips and critical minerals had become the foundation of the modern economy and would influence global technological leadership in the 21st century.
“The United States and India are uniquely positioned to build the trusted technology partnership of the 21st century. From semiconductors and AI to critical minerals and quantum technologies, the government can establish the enabling framework, but it is industry that will ultimately drive execution, innovation, and investment,” Aghi said.
The roundtable was also attended by Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Engagement at the United States Department of Commerce, and Christopher Saldana, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Critical Minerals, Materials and Manufacturing, United States Department of Energy.