FACT SHEET: United States and Karnataka

Overview

The United States and Karnataka share a dynamic and growing relationship, grounded in a commitment to innovation, excellence in research and development, and a range of mutual strategic interests. From nurturing business collaborations to supporting educational exchanges, the United States looks forward to building upon our decades-long presence in Bengaluru, a global hub for technology, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights

• Diplomatic Engagement: For more than 31 years, the U.S. Commercial Service, the trade promotion and investment arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, has promoted trade and business collaboration connecting American businesses with opportunities in Karnataka.

• Emerging Technologies: Bengaluru is a center for U.S.-India innovation cooperation under the initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

At the Bengaluru Tech Summit in November 2024, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger delivered remarks on U.S.-India technology cooperation and Chennai Consul General Chris Hodges opened the American Chamber of Commerce's India-USA Tech Conclave.

In fall 2024, senior U.S. officials engaged in dialogues to advance partnership in the AI and semiconductor sectors, resilient supply chains, and the role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in driving inclusive growth.

• Space and Defense: Bengaluru's aerospace and defense sectors enjoy robust engagement with the United States. In the last two years, engagement with ISRO by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Ambassador Eric Garcetti propelled bilateral space cooperation.

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is a joint U.S.-India space project to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar on an Earth observation satellite in 2025. The United States will participate in the biennial Aero India air show and aviation exhibition at Yelahanka Air Force Station in February 2025.

In January 2024, Consul General Chris Hodges attended the inauguration of Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center by Prime Minister Modi, augmenting U.S.-India defense cooperation.

Under the U.S-India Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG), the Commercial Space Sub-Working Group helps eliminate trade barriers and expand collaborative opportunities for U.S. and Indian space companies and is focused on four areas: market access, government procurement, foreign direct investment, and export controls.

Highlights to strengthen bilateral commercial space cooperation include:

A March 2024 Commercial Space International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) that deepened business connections between the government of India, Indian space start-ups, the United States government and U.S. industry.

Ambassador Garcetti and ISRO Chairman Somanath in May 2024 inaugurated the U.S.- India Commercial Space Cooperation Conference, "Unlocking Opportunities for U.S. and Indian Space Startups."

Business and Investment: Bengaluru, the "Silicon Valley of India," hosts nearly 700 U.S. companies and startups. The U.S. Commercial Service supports American businesses in establishing and expanding their presence in the region.

More than 50 participants from Karnataka joined the 243-strong U.S. Commercial Service India delegation to the SelectUSA Summit, officially the largest delegation ever to visit SelectUSA.

U.S. investments: Karnataka is a leading recipient of U.S. government investments to deepen U.S.-India trade and technology cooperation, and to support India's economic growth.

Since 2023, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced more than $130 million in loans and equity investment to Bengaluru-based companies across the agricultural, energy, health, finance, and transportation sectors, promoting commercial expansion, diversifying supply chains, and promoting women's entrepreneurship.

• Trade Missions: Regular trade missions and business delegations from the U.S. visit Bengaluru to explore opportunities and strengthen economic ties.

The United States is one of the largest investors in Bengaluru, with significant contributions from global tech giants, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, alongside a vibrant ecosystem of American startups.
Bengaluru's tech and service industries contribute significantly to the U.S.-India trade relationship, with software exports playing a pivotal role.

• Technology and Innovation: The United States collaborates with Bengaluru's tech industry, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through various initiatives and partnerships. Initiatives include:

In August 2024, Consul General Chris Hodges opened the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC)'s AI taskforce gathering.
Boeing's STEM program for women, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on January 20, 2024.

Academic Collaboration

Nearly all leading universities and colleges in Karnataka, both public and private, host ongoing partnerships (including faculty and student exchange programs, twinning programs, dual/joint degree programs, and research partnerships) with American institutions of higher learning. These include Christ (Deemed to be) University, GITAM University, the Indian Institute of Science, and the Indian Institute of Management in Bengaluru, but also the Indian Institute of Technology in Dharwad, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Manipal, and the National Institute of Technology in Suratkal.

In February 2024, U.S. Department of Commerce-organized Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Education Trade Mission brought 27 delegates from 18 U.S. universities in 12 U.S. states to South India to explore strategic collaborations with leading Indian institutions to attract top-quality students; foster research and innovation partnerships; and drive the development of critical and emerging technologies under the iCET framework. The trade mission met with over 40 Indian schools and study abroad counsellors, had over 200 interactions (B2B and site visits) in Karnataka, and hosted student fairs in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Manipal, Kochi, and Coimbatore. The 18 participating universities met with nearly 100 Indian universities during the Mission.

Development

Sustainable Landscapes and Climate Action: In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Karnataka Forest Department, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is advancing India's climate leadership by strengthening forest management and biodiversity conservation in Karnataka. USAID equips forest officers and local communities with skills in forest management, carbon inventory, and climate mitigation, empowering them to safeguard natural ecosystems. USAID also supports Karnataka's clean energy transition by supporting large-scale integration of clean energy solutions, regulatory reforms, and innovative technologies. These efforts not only reduce emissions but spur economic growth and attract sustainable climate investments, reinforcing India's leadership in the global fight against climate change.

Enhancing Health Systems and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): USAID supports innovative, inclusive health and WASH service delivery models that enhance access for vulnerable communities. By collaborating with Panchayati Raj Institutions, USAID fortifies efforts to eliminate TB in rural and underserved populations across Karnataka. In partnership with the Karnataka-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, USAID fosters innovation to combat antimicrobial resistance. This collaboration empowers local startups, supports researchers, and advances cutting-edge solutions, positioning Karnataka as a leader in the fight against this global health challenge.

Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth: USAID is committed to advancing inclusive development by partnering with local organizations to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare, sanitation, education, nutrition, and financial services for all, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups. USAID fosters economic empowerment by creating formal employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to launch and scale their own enterprises.

Public Diplomacy

AFCP: The Department of State, through the U.S. Consulate General Chennai, awarded an Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation grant to the University of Mysore in September 2023. The $300,000 grant is being implemented for the conservation and restoration of the West Wing of the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion and Folklore Museum building and collection. Located in the University campus, the conservation work, led by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India, is expected to complete this year.
PD Grants: Grants serve as a successful medium to establish partnerships and engage with key audiences across Karnataka on strategic Mission goals. Since 2023, grants totalling $260,000 advanced strategic policy interests through collaborations with Christ Trust, Public Affairs Center, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Indian-American Diaspora: Bengaluru, home to nearly 90,000 American citizens, has strong connections to the Indian-American community, which actively contributes to bilateral relations.

Sister-City Relationships: A 17-year-old sister city relationship between San Francisco and Bengaluru links the "Silicon Valleys" of both the United States and India, while the sister city relationship with Cleveland marks half a century this year.
U.S. Government supported exchange program alumni: Karnataka is home to nearly 270 alumni of United States government-funded professional, academic, and youth exchange programs.

Health

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) for cooperation on mental health.

Through more than 100 biomedical research projects, the HHS National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborates with several Bangalore-based research institutes, including both government and private sectors on priority health issues.
During his October 2024 visit to Bangalore to explore innovative approaches to mental health care and addiction, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited NIMHANS and learned how India's tele-mental health program, "Tele-MANAS," uses technology to provide mental health support, particularly in remote areas where access to services is limited.

CARB-X, a multilateral initiative funded by governments and private foundations, selected Bangalore based GOI funded start-up incubator Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) for its Global Accelerator Network (GAN), a league of 10 world-class organizations to combat anti-microbial resistance (AMR), and. CARB-X is the only one outside the United States and Europe. The United States' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) provided CARB-X with $200 million from 2016-2022 with potential of up to $300 million in additional support from 2022-2032.