India–U.S. Roundtable in New York Charts Strategic Path for Technology-Led Collaboration
Mumbai: The Consulate General of India in New York, in partnership with Primus Partners and Meridian International Center, hosted a high-level roundtable aimed at advancing the next phase of India–U.S. strategic cooperation. Titled “From Traction to Transaction: Bridging the Gap – Co-creating the Next Era of Innovation, Investment & Global Leadership,” the event convened senior policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts from both nations.
The discussions marked a shift from shared intent to actionable outcomes, with a focus on innovation, defense collaboration, responsible AI, and cross-border investment. Opening remarks reinforced the shared commitment to Mission 500, which aims to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Key themes included deeper integration in clean energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and defense, with participants highlighting the potential to reshape global supply chains and unlock new investment opportunities.
Education and talent mobility emerged as a cornerstone of long-term cooperation, with leaders advocating for a robust India–U.S. knowledge corridor through enhanced student exchange, academic partnerships, and skill development initiatives.
On AI governance, the roundtable emphasized the need for co-developed frameworks that align ethics, data sovereignty, and technology standards—positioning both democracies as partners in building a transparent and secure digital future.
Discussions on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) called for a transition from policy dialogue to joint execution in deep-tech and defense manufacturing. Building on agreements such as the GE–HAL jet engine co-production, speakers stressed the importance of regulatory alignment and collaborative R&D ecosystems to drive delivery-focused outcomes by 2026–2027.
Nilaya Varma, Co-Founder and CEO of Primus Partners, remarked, “This dialogue moved beyond talk to impact—real conversations driving real outcomes.”
Union Minister Smriti Irani added, “India and the U.S. don’t need a handshake—they need a steel frame of trust. A partnership built on shared ideals and mutual respect, focused on a future of equal purpose.”
The roundtable concluded with a reaffirmation that the strength of the India–U.S. partnership lies in its ability to deliver measurable progress through innovation, investment, and shared democratic values.
