Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India’s innovation-driven growth and tech collaboration at a roundtable with leaders from top US technology firms in New York
During his recent visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a significant roundtable discussion with the heads of leading American technology companies. This event, held at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, was a major highlight of his trip. The meeting, attended by 15 prominent CEOs of companies that specialize in advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductors, showcased India’s immense potential and drive towards technological growth.
Growing Confidence in India’s Innovation Sector Highlighted
PM Modi shared his thoughts on the meeting via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the interaction was fruitful and focused on discussing innovation and the strides India has made in technology. He further emphasized that there is a growing sense of optimism about India, especially regarding its expanding tech ecosystem.
Modi stressed that the India-US partnership, especially in areas like technology cooperation and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET), is a key component of their bilateral relationship. He expressed his government’s commitment to ensuring that India continues to rise as a global technology player, inviting tech leaders to collaborate and participate in the country’s growth story.
Technology Giants Present at the Meeting
The roundtable meeting was organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering and brought together top CEOs from various sectors of technology. Some of the notable names present included Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.
Other key participants were AMD CEO Lisa Su, HP Inc. CEO Enrique Lores, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and Moderna Chairman Dr. Noubar Afeyan. These tech leaders have a significant influence in shaping global technology trends, and their involvement indicates the growing interest in India as a strategic technology hub.
PM Modi assured the CEOs that India is committed to protecting intellectual property rights and fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation. His comments were well received, as the CEOs expressed their admiration for India’s progress and discussed potential opportunities for collaboration.
India’s Push Towards Becoming a Semiconductor Powerhouse
During the meeting, Modi outlined his government’s strong focus on transforming India into a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. He pointed out that the Indian government’s policies are designed to make India a key player in the production of semiconductors, which are critical to the future of global technology.
Modi also talked about India’s BIO E3 policy (Biotechnology for Environment, Economy, and Employment), which aims to establish the country as a leader in biotechnology. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of AI and assured the tech leaders that India’s approach is to promote AI ethically and responsibly, ensuring that its benefits reach all sectors of society.
CEOs Praise India’s Growth and Commit to Collaboration
The CEOs attending the meeting praised India’s progress and policy initiatives aimed at driving innovation and technological growth. They expressed their strong interest in expanding their investment in India, particularly in areas such as startups and emerging technologies. Many of the leaders agreed that India provides a unique opportunity for companies looking to develop and implement new technologies.
The conversation further emphasized the potential for collaboration between the US and India, with the tech leaders acknowledging that India’s tech policies make it a favorable environment for research, development, and innovation. Startups were a key focus area during the discussion, with the tech giants agreeing that India’s startup ecosystem offers a platform for cutting-edge technologies to flourish.
PM Modi’s Address to the Indian Diaspora and Bilateral Meetings
Apart from the roundtable with tech CEOs, PM Modi also made time to address the Indian diaspora in New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which saw a packed audience. The Prime Minister’s speech to the diaspora was well-received, with many attendees applauding his government’s efforts to enhance India’s standing on the global stage.
Additionally, Modi held several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His interactions with global leaders further solidified India’s role in international diplomacy and economic development.
Modi’s US visit also followed his attendance at the Quad Leaders Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, marking another key moment in strengthening ties between the two nations.
