U.S. India Business Council (USIBC), a leading business advocacy group made up of top U.S. and Indian companies, has called on the new Trump administration to enhance AI and deep tech collaboration between the two countries.
The suggestion relating to AI and deep tech is part of several recommendations made by the group to the Trump administration to balance and expand U.S.-India trade, promote technology advancement, and further advance their shared interests.
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It has proposed launching a U.S.-India AI and Deep Tech Public-Private Council to drive ethical AI development, advance research, and support startup collaborations in critical areas like healthcare, autonomous systems, and deep learning.
“As part of USIBC’s second recommendation in our report, ‘USIBC Recommendations for the new U.S. Administration: Together We Win – हम एक साथ जीतेंगे,’ we emphasize the transformative power of AI and deep tech collaboration between the U.S. and India,” the group posted on X.
“This initiative builds on the USIBC AI Task Force’s efforts, aiming to set global benchmarks and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth,” it stated.
Acting on these recommendations will strengthen technological leadership and pave the way for a shared, future-ready partnership, the group said.
“As AI shapes the future of industries, the U.S. and India have a unique opportunity to strengthen our economic leadership through collaborative research, development, and deployment,” USIBC stated.
The new administration should champion initiatives that facilitate collaboration on R&D in AI, quantum computing, and other deep tech fields. Strengthening collaboration on AI ethics frameworks and cybersecurity can create a secure digital environment and foster innovation, it suggested.
“Aligning standards and implementing intellectual property protections will enhance business confidence, allowing both nations to capitalize on emerging technologies, expand digital trade, and address shared cybersecurity challenges,” the group stated.
Leveraging work already done by the USIBC AI Task Force, the proposed AI council would facilitate conversations regarding voluntary ethical AI development and discuss research and startup collaboration in AI for healthcare, autonomous systems, and deep learning, it said.
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“Make no mistake: we are engaged in a technology race in which India’s youthful and highly skilled labor force can be an asset for the United States,” the group said suggesting, “The new administration should consider policies to advance U.S. national interests and technological prowess to streamline visa processes, expand work permits, and support exchange programs that facilitate workforce mobility by Indians who possess critical skills needed by our most technologically advanced companies in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, defense, and related security-critical fields.”
“By collaborating on training initiatives, including sector-specific programs, the U.S. and India can better equip their workforces with skills needed in the future economy. Expanding STEM-focused exchange programs and training pathways can strengthen high-tech industries and universities, addressing shared workforce needs and challenges,” it stated.
USIBC also recommended creation of a fast-track STEM visa program saying, “such a program would allow highly skilled STEM workers to travel between both countries for short-term assignments, fostering mutual expertise in critical sectors and enhancing business efficiency and speeding research.”
“Regulatory and tax predictability, a level playing field, swift resolution of disputes, and a laser-like focus on ease of doing business can ensure continued robust growth of investment and trade in both directions,” it said.
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To strengthen this partnership further, USIBC also recommended:
- Spur Growth through Reciprocal Trade: Negotiate flexible, sector-focused trade agreements to unleash reciprocal trade and unlock billions of dollars in economic potential.
- AI and Quantum Power Play: Develop joint R&D and ethical frameworks that promote our shared leadership in AI and quantum technologies.
- Win the Global Tech Race Together: Create a fast-track STEM visa program to allow the exchange of professionals in both countries.
- Energy Security: Strengthen crude oil, LNG, nuclear power, and critical minerals trade.
- Resilient Supply Chains: Build secure production corridors for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and medical supplies.
- Defense Innovation: Deploy advanced defense systems to bolster Indo-Pacific deterrence.
- Protect Intellectual Property: Launch an Intellectual Property Protection Incubator.
- Build Together: Fast-track infrastructure projects valued over $1 billion.
- Unlock Massive Investment: Accelerate the flow of capital by reducing red tape.