Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 28: India and the United States are accelerating collaboration in strategic technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and critical minerals, with senior government officials from both countries highlighting a shift from policy discussions to concrete projects and trusted technology partnerships.
The focus on strengthening cooperation emerged during a high-level roundtable in Washington hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), where diplomats, policymakers and industry leaders discussed ways to build resilient supply chains, drive technological innovation and enhance economic security.
Addressing the gathering, India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, said the two democracies possess complementary strengths that can help shape the future of emerging technologies.
He noted that India's mission-driven initiatives in semiconductors, AI and quantum technologies, when combined with the United States' innovation ecosystem, present significant opportunities for joint development. Kwatra stressed that closer collaboration would enable both countries to build secure and trusted technology ecosystems while ensuring reliable access to the critical infrastructure needed for next-generation technologies.
S. Krishnan, Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said India is rapidly establishing itself as a dependable partner in global technology manufacturing and supply chains.
He highlighted the rapid expansion of India's electronics manufacturing sector and said the country's semiconductor fabrication ambitions are now becoming a reality. Krishnan added that the next phase of India's Semiconductor Mission would build on recent progress, supported by the country's skilled workforce, digital public infrastructure and growing AI capabilities to develop technology solutions with global applications.
K. Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the India-US relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership capable of addressing the technological and economic challenges of the 21st century.
He said the two nations are moving beyond broad policy frameworks towards implementing practical collaborations in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, critical minerals, advanced energy systems and trusted supply chains. Naidu emphasised that industry participation would be crucial in translating these strategic initiatives into tangible outcomes.
USISPF President and Chief Executive Officer Mukesh Aghi said semiconductors and critical minerals would play a defining role in the future global economy.
He observed that while governments can create the enabling policy environment, businesses will ultimately drive innovation, investment and large-scale implementation. According to Aghi, the United States and India are uniquely positioned to establish one of the world's most trusted technology partnerships spanning semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies and critical mineral supply chains.
The roundtable was jointly organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, the Embassy of India in Washington and the Silverado Policy Accelerator. It also featured senior US officials, including Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Engagement at the US Department of Commerce, and Christopher Saldana, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Critical Minerals, Materials and Manufacturing at the US Department of Energy.
Participants agreed that stronger collaboration among governments, industry and research institutions would be essential to advancing innovation, securing resilient supply chains and expanding bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies that are expected to shape the global economy in the coming decades.