An eminent academic from the United States has highlighted a “perfect alignment” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision for India and the aspirations of global technology CEOs in key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. This observation was made during a recent roundtable discussion where Modi engaged with leading figures from the tech industry.
The event took place under the auspices of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specifically within the School of Engineering. Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, who serves as the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer and the Dean of the MIT School of Engineering, presided over the roundtable. In an exclusive interview with PTI following the event, Chandrakasan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host such a significant gathering.
Chandrakasan elaborated that the roundtable encompassed a wide range of critical topics, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor technology. He noted that the discussions were particularly noteworthy because they highlighted not only the technological ambitions and leadership strategies of the CEOs present but also their current initiatives and future aspirations in India.
He remarked on the eagerness exhibited by these CEOs to enhance collaborations between the United States and India, stating, “It was truly impressive to witness such a strong desire to work together.” This eagerness resonated throughout the discussions and indicated a mutual interest in advancing shared objectives.
The professor emphasized that Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India strongly aligned with the goals articulated by the CEOs. Modi’s focus on critical areas such as skills development, semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, ethical AI practices, and biotechnology resonated deeply with the aspirations of the tech leaders. According to Chandrakasan, this alignment is significant, as it suggests a collective vision for India’s technological landscape that could facilitate impactful partnerships.
Chandrakasan highlighted that several CEOs discussed their plans to broaden their operations and collaborative efforts in India. This sentiment was particularly exciting, as it underscored the potential for shared objectives among the companies present. “I believe that between the tech industry and academic institutions, there exists a tremendous opportunity for partnerships that could benefit both the United States and India,” he remarked.
He also expressed his admiration for the deep investments that these tech companies have made in India, acknowledging the considerable growth opportunities they perceive in the country. The CEOs’ similar goals led him to consider the potential for collaborative efforts that transcend individual corporate aspirations.
Notable attendees of the roundtable included prominent figures such as Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet, NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang, and HP CEO Enrique Lores. Their collective presence and shared vision mark a significant moment for India’s technological future and its relationship with global tech leaders.
