India US AI partnership stresses openness, security, and avoiding adversary dependencies

Speaking at the US-India AI and Emerging Technology Forum, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison said India and the United States should prioritise openness, security, and interoperability in artificial intelligence. She warned against dependencies on adversarial nations and highlighted strong private-sector momentum, citing more than USD 300 billion in AI investment in Q1 2026.

India and the US are being urged to keep cooperation on artificial intelligence open. A senior US official said both countries should also guard against reliance on adversarial nations. The remarks came during the US-India AI and Emerging Technology Forum on Friday. The official linked openness with security and smoother technology integration.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison said Washington wanted regional countries to access top technology. Bethany Morrison said such tools should be built into society for public benefit. Bethany Morrison tied that goal to secure systems and shared standards. Bethany Morrison also stressed the need for interoperability in new technology areas.

AI technology and openness in India-US ties

"But in order to fully realise the benefits of this incredible technology, we must be guided by the principles of openness, as well as focus on our security and our interoperability, and avoid any dependencies on adversarial nations,\" Morrison said. The statement framed AI as both an economic tool and a strategic concern. It also highlighted shared risk planning.

The forum was organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, ORF America and the Motwani Jadeja Foundation. The discussion focused on AI and other emerging technologies. Speakers examined how policy and industry choices could shape adoption. Organisers positioned the event as a platform for India-US coordination on future technology.

AI technology investment figures cited by Morrison

Morrison said private firms invested more than USD 300 billion in AI development in the first quarter of 2026. Morrison added that over half of that money went to US companies. Morrison also pointed to growing activity from Indian companies. Morrison said Indian firms were making major progress and putting funds into AI work.

Morrison said Indian businesses announced investments of USD 1.1 billion at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Morrison said the announcements were made in Washington this week. Morrison said the US welcomed the expanding investment and technology relationship. Morrison added that India shared the US vision on AI development and deployment.

AI technology, security, and Prime Minister Modi’s approach

\"The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, sees clearly that AI technology must contribute to prosperity for our nations, while also being clear-eyed about the security threats that we both face,\" Morrison said. Morrison linked prosperity goals with risk awareness. The remarks framed AI policy as a balance of growth and protection.

\"I truly believe the United States and India are a fantastic match for this next phase of tech innovation, and I look forward to working with my counterparts in the Indian government, the private sector, the community of experts to help shape the future of AI in our American leadership and Indian leadership,\" Morrison said. Morrison said cooperation would involve government, companies and experts across both countries.

With inputs from PTI