Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States promises to further strengthen the already robust relationship between India and the U.S., especially in technology and defense. At the heart of this growing partnership is the Indian diaspora, a community of over 4.2 million people, whose contributions have been pivotal in fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations.

On September 22, Modi will address over 24,000 Indian Americans at a major event titled “Modi & US Progress Together” in New York, celebrating the people-to-people connections that form the backbone of this bilateral alliance.

In recent years, India and the U.S. have expanded their collaboration across several sectors, with technology and defense leading the charge. While India’s upcoming acquisition of 30 MQ-9B drones from the U.S. underscores the importance of defense cooperation, the partnership has evolved far beyond traditional military procurement. The two nations are now co-developing cutting-edge technologies such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. These innovations have the potential to reshape global security frameworks and set new standards for international defense collaboration.

AI is emerging as a centerpiece of this partnership. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, recently emphasized the importance of India and the U.S. working together on AI norms and regulations to prevent technological fragmentation. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, echoed this sentiment, noting India’s pivotal role in AI’s development, stating, “As we make more progress with AI, we need to bring diverse perspectives into the field, including social scientists, to ensure responsible AI.”

This cooperation will not only drive innovation but also ensure responsible development across sectors in both countries. India’s vast talent pool, combined with U.S. expertise, positions the two nations to lead the global AI revolution, impacting areas like healthcare, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. By collaborating on AI governance and ethics, the U.S. and India can ensure the benefits of AI are equitably distributed while addressing the challenges of ethics and innovation.

The Indian diaspora has played a crucial role in strengthening the tech partnership between the two nations. Indian professionals, accounting for around 74percent of H-1B visa holders, have made substantial contributions to the U.S. tech workforce, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. Their influence extends beyond business, shaping policies and cultural ties that support deeper collaboration between India and the U.S.

As the U.S. seeks to diversify its supply chains and reduce dependency on China, India presents a compelling alternative. With its rapidly growing economy, robust talent pool, and an increasing focus on manufacturing and technology, India offers a strategic opportunity for U.S. businesses. The country’s democratic framework, competitive labor costs, and government initiatives like “Make in India” make it an attractive destination for investment. Strengthening U.S.-India economic ties can help mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on China, while also enhancing global supply chain resilience.

India’s rapid economic growth further supports this burgeoning partnership. With the Indian economy projected to grow by 6.5% in 2024, the country has become a hotspot for global investors, particularly in the tech and fintech sectors. U.S. companies are making significant investments in India’s booming digital landscape, propelling India’s transformation into a global leader in next-generation technologies.

Space cooperation is another growing facet of this partnership. The recent TSAT-1A satellite launch, a collaboration between U.S.-based Satellogic and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), marks a significant milestone in defense-related space collaboration. The satellite provides critical defense applications, including imagery intelligence, reducing India’s dependence on external sources for crucial data. This project not only strengthens the defense cooperation between the two countries but also sets the stage for future joint ventures in space technology. The TSAT-1A launch aligns with broader strategic cooperation in space, building on previous initiatives such as the NISAR mission.

This expanding cooperation in space and technology also has significant commercial potential. Joint ventures like these demonstrate the success of private-sector partnerships and open doors for further collaboration in defense-related space technologies, potentially transforming global standards in space security.

In addition to defense, India and the U.S. are positioned to co-lead advancements in technology across sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. The strength of this collaboration lies in the complementary capabilities of both nations: India’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure and tech talent, combined with U.S. leadership in AI research and innovation.

However, the success of these collaborations hinges on more than just governmental agreements. The Indian diaspora, representing a crucial bridge between the two countries, will continue to drive this partnership forward. Their contributions to U.S. industry, culture, and policymaking ensure that the bond between the two nations will only deepen as technological advancements accelerate.

In conclusion, the U.S.-India partnership is more than just a bilateral relationship. It is a dynamic alliance that will shape the future of global innovation and security. As India emerges as a global technology powerhouse, the U.S. remains its most important partner. Together, these two democracies are poised to lead the world into a brighter, more prosperous future, driven by shared values, innovation, and a commitment to solving global challenges through technological cooperation.
 

Rajesh Mehta is an International Affairs expert working on areas like Market Entry, Innovation & Public Policy.

Aditya Vijayvargiya is CTO of Unada Labs spearheading advancements in AI, AR, and NLP, driving transformative innovations across sectors.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of  New India Abroad.)