India-US tech cooperation: private sector to deliver AI, semiconductors, quantum and minerals projects

A senior Indian official said private companies were key to turning India-US plans on AI and chips into results. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs K Nagaraj Naidu spoke as the two countries expanded work on strategic technologies. The focus areas included artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals.

Representative image

Naidu said recent India-US steps were setting the base for long-term cooperation across key technology sectors. Naidu linked progress to both policy work and delivery on projects. Naidu also placed industry at the centre of moving plans into practice, as ties deepen.

India-US cooperation in AI and semiconductors at the roundtable

The roundtable was titled Securing the Foundations of AI Together: US–India Cooperation from Minerals to Microchips. It was organised earlier this week by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum USISPF. The event was held in association with the Embassy of India and Silverado Policy Accelerator.

"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.

India-US cooperation in semiconductors and electronics supply chains

S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology MeitY, described India’s push in electronics and semiconductors. Krishnan said the electronics manufacturing base had grown fast in recent years. Krishnan also said semiconductor fabrication was moving closer to delivery through national efforts.

\"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.

Krishnan linked manufacturing growth with India’s wider technology strengths. Krishnan pointed to talent, digital public infrastructure, and AI capabilities as supports. Krishnan said these strengths could help create solutions beyond domestic needs. Krishnan added that the aim included work that could serve global markets.

India-US cooperation in quantum technologies and trusted ecosystems

India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra said India and the United States had strengths that fit together. Kwatra connected this to areas from chips to AI systems. Kwatra said India’s mission-led work aligned with US innovation. Kwatra said this mix could support secure access to vital technology infrastructure.

\"The opportunity before the United States and India extends from chips to neural networks. Indias mission-based approach across semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies, combined with Americas 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.

India-US cooperation in critical minerals and industry execution

USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said microchips and critical minerals shaped today’s economy. Aghi said these areas would affect global technology leadership in the 21st century. Aghi also said governments could set rules and support structures. Aghi said industry would lead on delivery, new ideas, and funding.

\"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.

Other participants included Bill Guidera from the US Department of Commerce. Christopher Saldana from the US Department of Energy also attended. Officials discussed links between minerals, materials, manufacturing, and technology supply chains. Speakers kept the focus on practical cooperation across strategic technology areas.

With inputs from PTI