US, India Discuss AI and Semiconductor Cooperation

The U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), in partnership with the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., and the Silverado Policy Accelerator, hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Securing the Foundations of AI Together: U.S.-India Cooperation from Minerals to Microchips” in Washington, D.C.

The event brought together senior officials, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. Participants focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to secure critical supply chains, accelerate AI innovation, and enhance economic resilience.

Among those attending were Ambassador of India to the United States Vinay Kwatra, S. Krishnan, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), K. Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation & Engagement at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Christopher Saldana, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Critical Minerals, Materials, and Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Energy.

USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi opened the discussion by emphasizing the strategic importance of microchips and critical minerals, describing them as the “elixir” of the modern economy that will shape global leadership in the 21st century.

Aghi added, “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, government can establish the enabling framework, but it is industry that will ultimately drive execution, innovation, and investment. USISPF is proud to convene this dialogue to help translate strategic vision into tangible partnerships.”

Ambassador Kwatra highlighted India’s mission-driven approach to advancing emerging technologies and the complementary strengths of India and the United States.

“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.”

Secretary Krishnan outlined India’s growing role as a global electronics and semiconductor hub, pointing to the country’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem and increasing capabilities in artificial intelligence.

“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. 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,” he added.

Speaking about the broader direction of the bilateral partnership, Additional Secretary Naidu highlighted recent government initiatives aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation.

“India and the United States have built a comprehensive strategic partnership fit for the 21st century,” noted Naidu. “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.”

The industry-focused discussion was moderated by Mahnaz Khan, Vice President for Policy, Critical Supply Chains at the Silverado Policy Accelerator, and Nolty Theriot, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Policy at USISPF.

According to USISPF, the dialogue underscored that deeper collaboration among governments, industry, and research institutions will be essential as the United States and India expand cooperation across technology and strategic sectors. The organization said it remains committed to serving as a platform that connects governments and businesses to advance the next generation of U.S.-India economic and technology cooperation.

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