Latest news with #TRUST
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Trade, defence, tech discussed during foreign secretary Vikram Misri's US visit: MEA
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri concluded a key visit to the United States on Thursday, with bilateral trade, critical and emerging technologies as well as defence taking centre stage in the discussions. During the three-day visit, Misri met with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Under Secretary of Commerce Jeffrey Kessler. 'The foreign secretary also led our delegation, comprising the deputy National Security Adviser, for the inter-agency discussions on India-US Compact for the 21st century. This meeting happened in the White House and it focused on implementing the TRUST initiative, which is about critical and emerging technology partnerships. They also discussed cooperation in the area of defence and energy as well as strengthening the Quad, IMEC and I2U2,' the ministry of external affairs' (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing on Thursday. Jaiswal also confirmed that further topics of interest to both nations were discussed. During the meetings, America continued its push for more market access into the Indian economy even as bilateral trade negotiations continue. 'The Deputy Secretary emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation on migration and counter-narcotics. The Deputy Secretary and the foreign secretary also reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain regional stability and peace,' said the US State Department on the meeting between Landau and Misri. 'The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the close partnership between the US and India, a key component of US foreign policy for the 21st century,' the statement went on to say. Misri's visit comes just weeks after an intense military confrontation between India and Pakistan earlier this month. On May 10, the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement which was announced by US President Donald Trump. Washington claimed credit for helping broker the ceasefire, including by offering trade access to both India and Pakistan. For its part, New Delhi has pushed back against this characterisation of how the ceasefire agreement was reached. India maintains that the ceasefire agreement was reached bilaterally after military contacts between New Delhi and Islamabad. India also rejected Washington's assertion that India-Pakistan talks were to be held on a number of key issues, including Kashmir. On Thursday, the MEA reiterated its position. 'From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 till the understanding of cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade or tariffs did not come up in any of those discussions. The external affairs minister has also made clear that the cessation of firing was decided upon through direct contacts between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan,' said Jaiswal. 'Our position in regard to engagement with Pakistan has been clear and consistent. You are well aware of our position that any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral. At the same time, we are clear that talks and terror do not go together,' he added. TRUST or Transforming Relations Utilising Strategic Technologies (TRUST) is the governing framework of tech ties between the two countries under the Donald Trump administration and replaces the Biden-era initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET).
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
TRUST but verify: India, US reboot AI chip talks
A high-level Indian delegation, including foreign secretary Vikram Misri and deputy NSA Pavan Kapoor, met their US counterparts in Washington this week. Among other issues, they discussed implementing TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative, and US-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) partnership. At the centre of Misri's discussions with US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau was how tech-trade-talent will shape the India-US May, the Trump administration had repealed the AI Diffusion Rule introduced towards the end of Joe Biden's tenure. The rule classified countries across three tiers, laying down specific criteria for exporting - or not - AI infrastructure to them. India, placed in tier 2, with about 120 other countries, faced a cap of 50,000 advanced GPUs to be imported from the US through 2027. Also, no US company could deploy over 7% of its overall compute power in India. That rule is slated to be replaced, with recent reports suggesting that new rules on exporting US AI infra could be driven by country-specific negotiations, and may feature in their ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. For India, there are no clear indications yet on what the new rules could mean for it. As of now, repeal of AI Diffusion Rule is widely seen as a 'big breather'. However, importing an uncapped number of GPUs, or other advanced AI chips, from the US may not necessarily translate to sufficient compute capacity for India. AI Diffusion Rule's repeal should be an opportunity to understand other roadblocks to building compute capacity for computing power is necessary to fuel any AI ambitions, GoI recently provisioned about 14,000 GPUs on subsidy for its AI ecosystem. It's expected to procure 15,000 more from 7 shortlisted bidders in the coming of volume, any GPUs or advanced AI chips imported need to be housed in data centres. This assumes significance as a May 2025 Deloitte report, 'Attracting AI Data Centre Infrastructure Investment in India', highlights that India may need 45-50 mn sq ft real estate, coupled with 40-45 terawatt hours (TWh) incremental power for data centres by 2030 for its AI demand. So, challenges to building data centres must remain in India's policymaking focus. The rule repeal remains positive news, though limited in its impact and contingent on other factors relating to India's overall compute capabilities. But it serves as an opportunity to clear the mist on capabilities of India's data centres that will ultimately house high-end AI chips from the US. Both governments must now double down on identifying roadblocks to bringing AI infra to India, particularly under the timely TRUST initiative. Further, the Quad leaders' summit, to be hosted by India later this year, can be opportune platform for presenting Washington's and New Delhi's findings on TRUST. This could lead to reformative policymaking relating to power, finance and regulatory capacity is only one of the building blocks for India's AI ambitions. Launched last year, the IndiaAI Mission, with a ₹10,300 cr-plus budget outlay, has made significant strides on its seven pillars. In addition to its massive and ongoing compute procurement, its AIKosh platform, unveiled in March, now boasts 350+ datasets and will only month, GoI selected the Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam AI to build India's first sovereign LLM model. It also awarded several projects for safety-enhancing technologies, and has called for partnerships for its AI Safety Institute. But more needs to be done, especially to address AI-induced structural unemployment, and the need to increase public-private spending on the R&D ecosystem. The writer is associate director,US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Anil Ambani is back. Is it for real? Can inclusive growth dividend transform economic security in India? He termed IndiGo a 'paan ki dukaan'. Still made INR30k crore by selling its shares Will revised economic capital framework lead to higher RBI dividend to govt? What pizzas are Indians eating? The clue lies with India's largest QSR. Stock Radar: KEC International stock reclaims 200-EMA; stock showing signs of bottoming out after 30% fall from highs Multibagger or IBC - Part 8: This Indian auto ancillary is expanding beyond 2Ws, with a foray into 4Ws Should you sell or hold Voltas, Blue Star and other 'summer stocks' because the monsoon is early? Answer is not in black & white Buy, sell or hold: UBS upgrades Aarti Industries to buy; Antique maintains buy on Shilpa Medicare
United News of India
3 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
FS Vikram Misri meets US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau in Washington
Washington/New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is visiting the US, met US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau in Washington, during which they discussed the India-US bilateral agenda and shared priorities. The US side 'underscored the importance of fair and reciprocal market access to fostering economic growth and prosperity in both countries', and 'emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation on migration and counternarcotics'. The two sides agreed that Tech-Trade-Talent will shape the India-US partnership in the 21st century. The Indian Embassy said in a post on X: 'Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri had a great first meeting with @DeputySecState @ChrisLandauUSA. 'They discussed the full breadth of the India-US bilateral agenda and shared priorities. 'They agreed that Tech-Trade-Talent will shape the India-US partnership in the 21st century. 'They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the leadership's vision and to strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.' The US Deputy Secretary said in a post on X: 'Had a great lunch with Indian Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri today to talk about the [U.S.]-[India] relationship, which is at a historic zenith and represents a key partnership in the 21stcentury. 'We discussed the importance of expanding fair and reciprocal trade, combatting illegal immigration, and expanding counternarcotics cooperation.' The US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said: 'Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau underscored the importance of fair and reciprocal market access to fostering economic growth and prosperity in both countries. 'The Deputy Secretary emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation on migration and counternarcotics. The Deputy Secretary and the Foreign Secretary also reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain regional stability and peace.' The Indian Embassy said: 'Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri led the Indian delegation along with Deputy NSA @AmbKapoor for the inter-agency discussions on the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century. 'APDNSA Andy Baker and @CounselorDOS led the US delegation. 'Discussions at the White House focused on implementing the TRUST initiative, taking forward cooperation in the defence and energy domains, and strengthening the Quad, IMEEC, and I2U2 initiatives.' UNI RN
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Vikram Misri, US Dy Secretary of State reaffirm shared desire to maintain regional stability, peace
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met in Washington, reaffirming their commitment to regional stability and the comprehensive India-US strategic partnership. Discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including tech-trade-talent collaboration, fair market access, and enhanced cooperation on migration and counter-narcotics. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reaffirmed their "shared desire" to maintain regional stability and peace and discussed the full breadth of the India-US bilateral agenda and shared had a "great first meeting" with Landau in Washington on Wednesday during which they discussed the full breadth of the India-US bilateral agenda and shared priorities, the Indian Embassy in Washington said in a post on X.A statement by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Landau reaffirmed the close partnership between the US and India, a key component of US foreign policy for the 21st century."The deputy secretary and the foreign secretary also reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain regional stability and peace," Bruce underscored the importance of fair and reciprocal market access to fostering economic growth and prosperity in both countries and emphasised the importance of enhanced cooperation on migration and counter-narcotics action, Bruce Indian Embassy said Misri and Landau agreed that tech-trade-talent will shape the India-US partnership in the 21st reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the leadership's vision and to strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership, the embassy another post on X, the Indian Embassy said Misri led the Indian delegation along with Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor for the inter-agency discussions on the India-US COMPACT for the 21st Baker, Vice-President J D Vance's national security advisor who will take up new responsibility as deputy national security advisor, and Counsellor Michael Needham led the US delegation."Discussions at the White House focused on implementing the TRUST initiative, taking forward cooperation in the defence and energy domains, and strengthening the Quad, IMEEC, and I2U2 initiatives," the embassy is visiting Washington from May 27-29 to meet with senior officials of the US administration, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday, Misri met US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler in Washington to advance bilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, the Indian Embassy visit is a follow up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States in February, when both sides launched the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st century, the MEA a post on X, the Indian Embassy said that Misri met Kessler to advance India-US cooperation in critical and emerging technologies."They also discussed early convening of the India-US strategic trade dialogue to deepen tech and trade collaboration," the embassy said.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
An operation that was also about a self-reliant India
Over the past decade, India has undergone a profound transformation across economic, technological, and strategic domains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has been central to this evolution, underpinned by his belief that India must not only be a major economic player but also a strategic and technological power in the 21st century. Under his leadership, India has emerged as a globally engaged strong self-reliant and resilient nation. Path to industrial resurgence, innovation When 'Make in India' was launched in 2014, it signalled a paradigm shift. India no longer aspired to remain a passive participant in the global manufacturing value chain. Instead, it set its sights on becoming a manufacturing powerhouse. The policy ushered in major reforms that were aimed at improving ease of doing business, streamlining approvals, and encouraging both domestic and foreign direct investments. Sectors such as electronics, defence and automobiles saw renewed interest, with production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes further amplifying India's attractiveness as a manufacturing hub. In 2020, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) reinforced this momentum. It was a fervent call for action to not only make India self-reliant but also become a global lighthouse in state-of the-art manufacturing, with modern and efficient value chains while integrating globally powered by its own strengths. This would also reduce India's dependence on imports in key strategic areas. It focused sharply on bolstering capacities in defence manufacturing, electronics, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. These are not just economic sectors; they are also key enablers of strategic importance and national security. Parallel to its industrial resurgence, India has also emerged as a global innovation leader. Today, it is the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem. From fintech to agritech, health tech to edtech, Indian startups are not only solving local challenges but also competing globally. Importantly, the start-up ecosystem is beginning to make strategic contributions in defence tech, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and space technology. India's economic transformation is bolstered by global engagements and strategic partnerships. Collaborations such as the U.S.-India Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) initiative and the India-France road map advance cooperation in AI, quantum, and defence tech. A focus on 'Made in India' Operation Sindoor was a moment of reckoning for Made in India. The operation showcased India's ability to strike with precision and confidence using indigenous defence technologies. The operation not only neutralised threats across the border but also symbolised India's gradual transition from a dependent arms importer to a producer of world-class defence equipment. India's defence exports climbed up to ₹23,622 crore in FY25, reaching out to close to 80 countries, and is expected to touch ₹50,000 crore by 2029. The private sector's contribution to these exports is ₹15,233 crore. We understand that much of the equipment used in Operation Sindoor was developed under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This operation was, therefore, a validation of a decade-long focus on economic and technological resilience, under the Prime Minister. In today's world, national power is increasingly defined by technological leadership. Nations that do not control future-critical technologies such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space systems risk long-term strategic vulnerability. India has rightly recognised this and is actively investing in these domains. Government initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission and the India Semiconductor Mission are positioning the country as a hub for advanced research and technology development. The Indian Space Research Organisation's achievements, including the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, reflect the maturity of India's space capabilities. However, technology leadership cannot rest solely on government initiatives. It must be a national enterprise involving industry, academia, and startups. Indian industry remains committed to stepping up its efforts and actively collaborating with the government in this journey toward global excellence. Given the recent events, it would be important to strengthen industry's resolve to explore newer horizons to contribute even more meaningfully to building a secure and resilient tomorrow and reinforce India's position as a leader in frontier technology. Industry is helping build hi-tech capabilities across a wide range of critical sectors such as semiconductors, clean tech, next-gen mobility, defence and electronics. Industry has significantly contributed to India's space success by providing critical components and supporting satellite and launch vehicle development. It is helping enhance India's defence capabilities by developing advanced technologies, supporting indigenous manufacturing, and collaborating on joint ventures for systems such as missiles, drones, and combat platforms. Indian industry is playing a key role in building India's AI capabilities through investments, innovation, and collaboration. It supports initiatives such as Bhashini for AI-driven real time language translation in 22 languages and partners in FutureSkills Prime to train professionals, ensuring a skilled workforce for AI-driven growth. Going forward, the private sector must ramp up its investments in research and development (R&D). It must also be more aggressive in forging overseas technology partnerships and joint ventures to leapfrog India's technological capabilities. Collaborations between industry, academia and public research institutions are critical and industry should take a lead in catalysing these. Through these collaborations, not only should it contribute to R&D and innovation, but it must also contribute toward generating a steady pipeline of industry ready and trained engineers, scientists and skilled technicians who can drive innovation and manufacturing. A lead role for India India today stands at a defining juncture. With economic resilience, manufacturing strength, innovation-led growth, and a global outlook, India is no longer catching up — it is shaping the future. The Prime Minister's leadership has laid a robust foundation and this purposeful journey to Viksit Bharat will call for substantial industry action. As the Prime Minister has said 'Self-reliance has not only become India's policy, but it has also become our passion.' The Confederation of Indian Industry would indeed like to fuel this passion and see India rise to higher orbits in the future. India must now aim to lead the next wave of global innovation. It must embed technological ambition into its industrial, academic and strategic fabric. The vision is clear: a strong, secure, self-reliant, and globally respected India. Sanjiv Puri is President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Chandrajit Banerjee is Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
