Washington, D.C.— India's leading technology industry body Nasscom held its first major industry engagement with American policymakers on February 4-5, following the India-US trade deal announcement. The Nasscom US CEO Forum brought together prominent Indian tech business leaders and senior U.S. officials at Capitol Hill to chart a strategic tech-led economic partnership aimed at achieving a joint bilateral trade target of $500 billion.
The forum discussions focused on three core pillars that will define the India-US technology alliance for years to come. These include AI co-creation across the entire value chain, from silicon design to enterprise applications, resilient infrastructure through energy security and advanced data centers, and trusted supply chains in semiconductors and secure technology ecosystems.
This strategic approach aligns with the broader Pax Silica coalition, positioning both nations as leaders in secure and trustworthy AI development.
Indian technology companies already make a substantial impact on the American economy. These firms contribute $103 billion directly to U.S. GDP and support over half a million jobs spread across 25 states.
The economic footprint demonstrates why this partnership matters not just to Indian companies but to American workers and regional development across the country.
The forum's timing proved significant as delegates engaged with multiple Members of Congress and Administration officials, including Senator Ron Wyden and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer. These conversations reflected the high-level commitment from both governments to transform technology into a cornerstone of bilateral economic growth.
Industry leaders emphasized that this moment represents a generational opportunity for deeper collaboration.
Energy security emerged as a critical strategic priority during discussions. The U.S. plans to scale AI-critical energy capacity while India will integrate green and nuclear energy to support next-generation data centers.
Indian technology companies are increasingly positioned to contribute AI-driven energy optimization, grid analytics, and digital infrastructure that strengthens the resilience of America's innovation ecosystem.
Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, articulated the industry's vision clearly:
Amit Chadha, CEO of L&T Technology Services, emphasized the scope of opportunity:
Nasscom represents over $284 billion technology industry in India with over 3,500 member companies. The U.S. CEO Forum itself was inaugurated in July 2025 as a flagship leadership platform bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora.
The forum's evolution reflects the deepening strategic partnership between two democracies competing globally through innovation and trusted technology ecosystems.
The partnership now moves from traditional collaboration toward true co-creation anchored in data, accountability, and long-term value creation. Both nations recognize that their combined technological strength—India's talent and service capabilities paired with America's innovation and market leadership—creates an advantage in competing globally.
The next phase will involve translating these commitments into concrete initiatives that benefit workers, businesses, and consumers in both countries.
Key developments are expected throughout 2026 as industry and government alignment deepens on AI applications, semiconductor supply chain security, and workforce development. Companies supporting Fortune 500 firms should prepare for expanded collaboration opportunities, while states expecting Indian tech investment should engage with local economic development initiatives.
The $500 billion bilateral trade target provides a clear benchmark for measuring progress over the coming years.
Image from Wikimedia Commons