Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with global technology leaders in New York during a roundtable event hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering. The gathering provided a platform for discussions on several key emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Semiconductor technologies, reflecting the rapidly evolving global technological landscape.
The meeting brought together CEOs from various major tech companies to explore how advancements in these fields are shaping industries worldwide and positively influencing societies, both globally and in India. The roundtable discussions focused on how technology is revolutionizing not just the global economy but also contributing to human development. This dialogue comes at a time when these industries are expected to play a critical role in driving economic growth and societal improvements in the coming years.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for MIT’s School of Engineering and its leadership, particularly recognizing the contributions of the dean for organizing the event. He emphasized that technological collaborations, particularly through the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET), serve as the foundation for the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States. “The efforts of MIT and its leaders are crucial in facilitating dialogues that are helping shape the future of technology,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also reiterated his vision for India’s economic growth. He expressed confidence that India will become the third-largest economy globally during his third term as Prime Minister. As part of his mission to achieve this milestone, Modi encouraged the industry leaders present to leverage India’s growth story by collaborating with Indian enterprises. He urged the CEOs to co-develop, co-design, and co-produce technologies in India, emphasizing the country’s increasing focus on innovation, intellectual property protection, and the creation of a conducive environment for technological advancement.
He further noted the role of India’s government in fostering a business-friendly environment for tech innovation. “India is committed to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that companies benefit from the country’s expanding technological and economic landscape,” said Modi. He underscored how India has transformed over the years, particularly in electronics and information technology manufacturing, semiconductor production, biotechnology, and green energy development.
A key focus of Modi’s discussions was India’s potential as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The Indian government has set ambitious goals to position the country as a hub for this critical industry, which is essential to technological advancements across numerous sectors. “We want India to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and we are creating an ecosystem to support that vision,” Modi explained.
Additionally, Modi introduced the BIO E3 policy, a new initiative aimed at making India a biotech powerhouse. This policy is expected to foster innovation in the biotechnology sector and create opportunities for both Indian and international firms. “India is committed to becoming a leader in biotechnology, and our BIO E3 policy is a testament to that commitment,” he said.
The Prime Minister also discussed India’s approach to AI, reiterating the country’s focus on responsible and ethical use. The “AI for All” policy underscores the need to ensure that AI technologies are not only accessible but also developed with ethics in mind. He noted that India’s emphasis on the ethical use of AI positions the country as a key player in global discussions about the future of technology. “Our approach to AI is centered around responsible and ethical use, and we are committed to making AI a tool for societal good,” Modi remarked.
Throughout the discussions, the global technology leaders expressed a strong interest in deepening their investments in India. They acknowledged the country’s growing importance as a global technology hub, noting its business-friendly policies and the enormous potential in the Indian market. In particular, the tech leaders recognized India’s thriving startup ecosystem, which provides a fertile ground for the development and scaling of new technologies. “India’s innovation-friendly policies and expanding market offer immense opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the startup ecosystem,” said one CEO.
The enthusiasm of the participants underscored the potential for future collaborations between India and global technology firms. With India’s government prioritizing key sectors such as AI, biotech, and semiconductors, the country is positioning itself as an attractive destination for technological investments. “India is emerging as a critical player in the global technology landscape, and we look forward to further deepening our collaborations in the future,” one tech leader commented.
The roundtable was chaired by Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, chief innovation and strategy officer and dean of the MIT School of Engineering. He expressed gratitude to both Prime Minister Modi and the CEOs for their active participation in the event. Chandrakasan emphasized MIT’s commitment to advancing technology for the benefit of society. “MIT is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and ensuring that technology is accessible to global communities,” he said. Chandrakasan’s words highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and governments in driving technological progress.
Among the prominent tech CEOs who attended the roundtable were leaders from major corporations, including Accenture, Adobe, AMD, Google, IBM, and NVIDIA, among others. The presence of these executives underscores the significance of the event and the importance of India’s role in the global technology ecosystem. The discussions during the roundtable are expected to pave the way for new initiatives and collaborations that will shape the future of technology and innovation.
The roundtable in New York reinforced India’s emergence as a key player in the global technological space, especially in fields such as AI, biotech, and semiconductor technologies. Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with the global tech community demonstrated India’s readiness to lead in these sectors while fostering strong international partnerships. With ambitious goals, innovative policies, and a growing market, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for technology in the years to come.
