India-US technology cooperation: private sector to drive AI, semiconductors, quantum and minerals projects

A senior Indian official said the private sector will be vital in turning India-US cooperation on AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals into practical projects. Speaking at a USISPF roundtable, K Nagaraj Naidu highlighted efforts to shift from principles to delivery across trusted supply chains and strategic technology sectors.

A senior Indian official said private firms were vital for turning India-US plans on AI and chips into results. The comments came as both countries increased work on strategic technologies. The areas included artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals. The official said frameworks now needed business-led delivery to make a clear impact.

The remarks were made at a roundtable called 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 Embassy of India and Silverado Policy Accelerator partnered in the event. Officials and industry leaders discussed supply chains and technology cooperation.

India-US cooperation in AI and semiconductors moves from plans to projects

K Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, said recent steps were setting up longer ties. Naidu described a wide partnership across future technologies and supply chains. "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.

S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology MeitY, spoke about electronics manufacturing growth. Krishnan said India was moving towards chip-making capacity at home. \"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.

India-US cooperation in AI and semiconductors highlights digital talent and supply chains

Krishnan linked manufacturing progress with skills and public digital systems. \"Combined with Indias talent, digital public infrastructure, and AI capabilities, we have an opportunity to develop solutions not just for India, but for the world,\" Krishnan added. The discussion also covered how these strengths could support shared research, reliable sourcing, and secure deployment.

Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra pointed to a match between both sides’ strengths. Kwatra said cooperation could stretch from hardware to advanced AI systems. \"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,\" Kwatra said.

India-US cooperation in AI and semiconductors puts industry at the centre

USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said chips and minerals were central to economic power. Aghi said governments could set conditions, but companies would act on them. \"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. The roundtable focused on building secure access to key inputs. Speakers said closer coordination could support trusted supply chains across strategic sectors. They also stressed that delivery would depend on sustained engagement by firms.

With inputs from PTI