- Thursday, April 24, 2025
The tech leaders emphasised the potential of Modi’s focus on artificial intelligence to propel India into becoming a global economic powerhouse.
By: Shubham Ghosh
PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to the US has garnered significant support from tech leaders in Silicon Valley. A conference titled ‘India-US partnership: A key to new world Tech-Order,’ organised by the NID Foundation and Indian Minorities Foundation in San Jose, California, served as a curtain-raiser event for the visit. The tech leaders expressed excitement for Modi’s visit and anticipated that the bilateral meeting with US president Joe Biden would pave the way for new partnerships between the two nations.
The event was attended by prominent figures from Silicon Valley, including CEOs, vice presidents, and global heads of leading companies. California’s attorney general Rob Bonta presided over the conference alongside NID chief patron and chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu, and NID founder professor Himani Sood. The tech leaders emphasised the potential of Modi’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to propel India into becoming a global economic powerhouse.
Bonta praised Modi as a popular leader in both India and the US. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries and highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian-American community in California’s diverse and thriving environment. Bonta commended the entrepreneurs and businessmen who play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth.
Jeevan Zutshi, Founding Chapter president of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Global Organization of the People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir due to cross-border terrorism. He praised Prime Minister Modi for his bold decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which has led to increased security and a sense of safety in the region. Zutshi highlighted the economic development and investment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing optimism for its future.
Shilpa Kolhatkar, global head of AI Nations at NVIDIA, praised the improvements in living standards and technological advancements achieved during Modi’s leadership. She commended the government’s focus on leveraging new technologies, such as AI, to attract foreign direct investments, support research, foster startup ecosystems, and enhance youth upskilling. Kolhatkar also highlighted the Indian government’s budget emphasis on AI solutions and 5G applications, contributing to India’s potential as a global economic powerhouse.
Sandhu anticipated that Modi’s visit would elevate the relationship between India and the United States to new heights. He underscored the rapid economic growth under Modi’s leadership, with India becoming the fifth largest economy in the world and poised to surpass Germany and Japan to become the third largest by 2027. Sandhu praised the prime minister’s focus on good governance, transparency, and technology-driven initiatives such as Digital India.
Rashmi Singhal, senior technical recruiter at LinkedIn, lauded Modi’s schemes for skill development, including job fairs and the Kaushal Vikas Yojana. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between young minds and skill development, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence. Singhal acknowledged that India still has a long way to go in the technology sector but expressed confidence in the country’s bright future.
The conference aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the US, with discussions encompassing a wide range of topics related to governance, education, environmental reforms, and international issues. The NID Foundation, through its outreach and engagement initiatives, supports leaders and policymakers in making informed decisions based on reform-oriented intelligence.
For further information, visit www.nidf.in.
(With PRNewswire inputs)
