India-US tech partnership turns to private sector for AI and chip projects

Washington,UPDATED: Jun 28, 2026 04:20 IST

A senior Indian official has said the private sector will be central to turning India-US cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals into practical results, as the two countries deepen work in strategic technologies.

Speaking at a roundtable on securing the foundations of AI through US-India cooperation, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs K Nagaraj Naidu said recent initiatives between the two countries were creating the base for long-term collaboration across key technology sectors.

"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 and Silverado Policy Accelerator. At the event, S Krishnan, Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said India was emerging rapidly 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," he said.

Krishnan added, "Combined with India's talent, digital public infrastructure, and AI capabilities, we have an opportunity to develop solutions not just for India, but for the world." India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra said the strengths of the two democracies were complementary 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. Together, we can build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems while ensuring secure access to the critical infrastructure that powers these emerging technologies," he said.

USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said microchips and critical minerals had become the "elixir" of the modern economy and would shape 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," he said. Also present at the roundtable were Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Engagement at the US Department of Commerce, and Christopher Saldana, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Critical Minerals, Materials and Manufacturing, US Department of Energy. The discussion reflected the growing push by India and the US to move from policy intent to projects across strategic technology sectors.

With PTI Inputs

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