Friday, October 25, 2024 | New Delhi

The closed-door roundtable covered U.S.-India collaboration in defense, technology, renewable energy, and critical minerals. Key topics included bolstering India’s defense industry through local production, enhancing cybersecurity and AI partnerships, and establishing a secure supply chain for solar energy and biofuels. Joint efforts in critical mineral supply chains for batteries and semiconductor manufacturing were highlighted as essential, while regulatory alignment and policy transparency were noted as critical for advancing investment and trade stability.

Friday, October 25, 2024 | Mumbai

USISPF was honored to host a business leaders discussion with Jim Swanson, Executive Vice President, and Chief Information Officer of Johnson & Johnson on 25th October in Mumbai, India.

During the meeting, Mr. Swanson shared his vision on the positive and revolutionary impact of AI on health science and medical technology. Industry leaders shared their perspectives on the opportunities in India – as well as the deep technology prowess being developed that can help accelerate public health across the nation.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | New Delhi

A pleasure to welcome Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Minister for Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi for an interaction with USISPF Board Members.

Minister Gadkari touched on India’s evolving road infrastructure and its role in enhancing global value chains (GVC), the improved infrastructure and road networks, and how they play a crucial role in logistics and supply chain integration, and sustainable infrastructure development in line with India’s climate goals.

Minister Gadkari even touched on how U.S. investors can collaborate to meet financing demands for long-term road and logistics development.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | New Delhi

The Hon. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with USISPF Board Members in New Delhi.

As India continues to be the fastest growing major economy, the goal continues to be to build on the ease of doing business environment, attracting more investments from the U.S., investing in skilling for the youth of the country to be future ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Finance Minister touched on India’s demographic dividend and growing investments across insurance, housing, clean energy, critical minerals, and the rapid rise of the Indian unicorn and startups in the country.

Our member companies were grateful to the initiatives taken by the Government of India to make India a favorable destination for overseas investors.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

A thought-provoking discussion at the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 on “Strengthening Bilateral Trade Ties: Opportunities and Challenges” with insights from Mr. Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin, and Mr. Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard. The session was moderated by Ms. Menaka Doshi, Senior Editor at Bloomberg India.

Mr. St. John highlighted Lockheed Martin’s growth in India, sharing that the company has built a robust supply chain ecosystem with over 500 suppliers over the last 15 years. He discussed their plans for significant expansion, aiming to deliver entire platforms and aircraft within the next three to five years. He expressed his commitment to working on equal footing with Indian companies in joint ventures, navigating the policy landscape and data transfer challenges.

Mr. Michael Miebach shared insights on India’s growing financial markets, announcing that Mastercard will establish its largest facility in Pune, creating 8,000 jobs. He emphasized the tremendous potential in India that the Indian tech stack has unlocked. He focused on Mastercard’s aim to support India’s micro-businesses and make digital transactions safer across various sectors by engaging with the fintech community and leveraging the UPI infrastructure.

Both leaders addressed the challenges faced in global supply chains, particularly in defense, which have been fragile due to geopolitical conflicts and the impact of COVID-19. Mr. St. John stressed the importance of identifying a supply chain base that is both cost-effective and quality-assured, praising the attention to detail in the Indian supply chain.

To conclude the session, Mr. Miebach acknowledged the Indian government’s consultative engagement with the private sector to understand what works and what doesn’t, positioning India as an attractive investment destination.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare delivered special remarks on ‘Building a Resilient U.S.-India Partnership for Global Health Security’ at the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024.

The session opened with a thoughtful scene-setting introduction by Ms. Neelima Dwivedi, Executive Director of Public Policy, Corporate Communications & Market Access, MSD Pharmaceuticals, who framed the significance of deepening ties in health policy and innovation.

Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, highlighted the importance of U.S.-India cooperation in strengthening health infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to healthcare. She underscored India’s status as a global leader in pharmaceuticals, noting that it is the third-largest producer and a key supplier of generic medicines. She also emphasized the need for resilience and innovation in addressing global health challenges.

Ms. Srivastava further highlighted that shared priorities in surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and antimicrobial resistance strengthen the partnership between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the U.S. CDC. She concluded by emphasizing that prioritizing research, technology transfer, and capacity building will enhance global health security through public-private partnerships and collaborative vaccine initiatives.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

A truly engaging session at the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 titled “India’s Startup Revolution: Catalyzing Cross-Border Collaboration and Innovation” discussed India’s unparalleled momentum in the startup ecosystem.

Moderated by Ms. Shereen Bhan, who referred to the past five years as a turning point for India’s unicorns and IPOs. The panel included Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT; Mr. John Chambers, Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum; Mr. Paavan Nanda, Co-Founder of WinZO; and Mr. Bipul Sinha, CEO and Co-Founder of Rubrik.

The discussion started with Mr. John T Chambers, who shared his optimism about India’s growth story. He noted that India’s startup ecosystem had fast-tracked innovation with the Startup India Mission at its center. Indian entrepreneurs are increasingly export-ready, and the strong domestic demand has attracted significant global investment.

Technology was at the core of the discussion, with Shri S. Krishnan emphasizing its ability to overlay across sectors, from manufacturing to service delivery. He highlighted the shift in how governments are placing larger bets on disruptive tech and startups, making innovation a key element of growth.

Mr. Bipul Sinha spoke about how startups have moved from working in silos to going public. He pointed out that as AI transforms B2B businesses over the next 10-20 years, India is well-positioned to capitalize on these massive opportunities.

The focus then shifted on the triad of micro-elements that have accelerated the startup ecosystem’s growth: smartphones, affordable internet data, and UPI. Where Mr.Paavan Nanda said this combination has sparked ‘true innovation’ in niche sectors like gaming.

Shri S. Krishnan also touched on the evolving regulatory and policy landscape, explaining that reform is a continuous process. He mentioned ongoing work in areas like tax reforms, labor reforms, and the harmonization of standards, emphasizing the need for Indian interests to be reflected in global standards.

The session wrapped up with a look to the future, recognizing the role cross-border collaboration and co-creation as technology, and government initiatives will continue to play in India’s thriving startup landscape.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

The #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 featured a significant session dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-India defense partnership for a secure future. Ms. Sharmila Barathan, President of Government Affairs and Policy at GE Aerospace, introduced this vital discussion, which included distinguished leaders from the defense sector.

The session began with Special Remarks from Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Defence Production India,Ministry of Defence GoI. He noted that the strength of U.S.-India defense collaboration is clearly visible with India’s designation as a Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-I) partner and a major defense partner. Such developments reflect the commitment of both nations to fortifying the defense ecosystem. Shri Kumar expressed optimism that the coming decades would see a robust relationship between U.S. and Indian industries, not only in defense but across all sectors.

Following his remarks, Shri Sanjeev Kumar participated in a fireside chat with Mr. Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation; Mr. William Blair Vice President and Regional Chief Executive for Asia & India at Lockheed Martin; Mr. Jeff Shockey, Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations at RTX; and Mr. Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India.

During the session, Mr. William Blair emphasized that while discussions about critical technologies are frequent, it is essential to address the underlying ‘critical needs’ for these technologies, as well as the importance of resilient supply chains, emerging space technologies, and rare earth materials. India possesses significant potential to leverage these areas and elevate them further. It is crucial to examine how the public and private sectors collaborate in this context.

Mr. Salil Gupte advocated for boldness and commitment to long-term operational readiness of defense assets, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a supplier network to support both Indian and U.S. defense bases.

Mr. Jeff Shockey emphasized the critical importance of collaboration, highlighting that current facilities are insufficient to meet the rising production demands.

Mr. Vivek Lall pointed out that the India-U.S. defense partnership includes strong ties with startups, with innovations from India’s vibrant ecosystem fostering significant U.S. collaborations.

Moderated by Ms. Sonia Singh, the session underscored the critical role of collaboration in enhancing the U.S.-India defense ecosystem, opening new avenues for growth and paving the way for a secure, innovative future for both nations.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

Another engaging session of the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 centred around the U.S.-Andhra Pradesh partnership aimed at fostering economic growth and social development.

Shri Lokesh Nara, Hon’ble Minister of Human Resources Development, IT, Electronics, Communications, and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh, shared a visionary roadmap for the region’s future, emphasising technology and innovation. His goal is to elevate Andhra Pradesh, with Amravati leading the charge as India’s first world-class city, powered by green energy, district cooling, and cutting-edge tech integration.

During the session, he also highlighted India’s inaugural Skill Census initiative, designed to identify and enhance the skills of youth in Andhra Pradesh, ultimately improving their employment prospects.

The session, moderated by Mr. Virat Bhatia, Managing Director, Apple India offered valuable insights into the immense potential of this partnership.

The discussion unlocked exciting possibilities for growth, collaboration, and innovation, laying the groundwork for lasting progress in economic and social development.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

Another forward-thinking discussion at the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 focused on the U.S.-India Supply Chains: Harnessing Digital Connectivity through Advanced Telecommunications.

The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of India; Mr. Sachit A., President of Tillman Global Holdings; and Mr. Alex Rogers, President of Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL) & Global Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated. The session was moderated by Mr. Nikhil Deogun Nik Deogun, CEO of the Americas and U.S. Senior Partner at Brunswick Group.

During the discussion on India-U.S. collaboration, Shri Scindia emphasized that this partnership is rooted in monumental change rather than incremental improvements with the collective goal to drive change that benefits the world. He highlighted the exponential growth in telecommunications in India, describing it as a ‘techade of transformation’. He stressed on India’s focus on becoming a product-driven nation, where telecom serves as a means to deliver high-quality services.

Mr. Alex Rogers discussed the importance of building ecosystems and technology partnerships. He explained that Qualcomm engages in R&D before bringing innovations to the industry, creating a feedback loop that helps operators better understand the ecosystem. The growing number of semiconductor engineers in India significantly contributes to this ecosystem within universities, particularly in science and technology departments. Their success hinges on integration into a larger ecosystem where private companies collaborate with educational institutions.

Mr. Sachit Ahuja pointed out that India boasts an impressive wireless ecosystem, second only to China, which is poised for further growth. Highlighting the government’s efforts in infrastructural development in the sector, he said that networks serve as a means to an end, and we have been witnessing strong collaboration between state and central governments to push capital and overcome accessibility challenges.

The session concluded with Shri Scindia’s remark that real value creation will stem from advancements in AI, IoT, and the establishment of digital frameworks. He remarked that with the Bharat 6G Alliance, India is set to lead the world in 6G technology.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

The first session of the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 set the stage for an insightful discussion on one of the most pressing topics of our time: Shaping the Future of the Workforce: Transforming Education and Enhancing Skill Development.

This conversation is especially relevant in this disruptive era of technology-led skilling. The session featured esteemed panelists, including Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education; Mr. Marvin Krislov, President of Pace University; and Mr. Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn. The session was moderated by Mr. Yezdi Nagporewalla, Chief Executive Officer, KPMG India

Mr. John Chambers opened the floor for discussion at the summit, describing India as an opportunity-driven country for growth.

The discussion focused on the future course of the 4-year-old #NEP (National Education Policy). Shri Dharmendra Pradhan articulated the underlying philosophy of the NEP, which aims to create globally responsible citizens and serve as a progressive policy for India’s vast demographic dividend. This vision seeks to build a confident and competent workforce.

The conversation then shifted to emerging technology, particularly AI, as a key player in the education and skilling landscape. Mr. Ryan Roslansky highlighted how AI is ushering in new job structures, with skills undergoing a massive change. Skillsets for the same jobs have evolved by 40% in the past 15 years. In this context, “learning how to learn” and behavioral skills such as empathy and ethical judgment have become crucial.

From a university standpoint, Mr. Marvin Krislov emphasized the importance of foreign collaboration and creating a seamless environment for academic exchange between Indian and American students. He discussed the concepts of skilling, reskilling, and unlearning, focusing on the need for flexibility and adaptability through shorter programs. He also highlighted India’s dynamic environment for American students to learn and faculty to conduct research.

Monday, October 14, 2024 | New Delhi

The Board touched on the geopolitical and defense landscape, the intersection of tech and national security, and economic and business updates as we seek to strengthen the US-India commercial partnership.

Sunday, October 13, 2024 | New Delhi

We are excited to kick off the #USISPFIndiaSummit2024 in New Delhi with a productive meeting between our Board of Directors and Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Hon. Minister of External Affairs, Government of India.

In a fireside chat with USISPF Chairman John Chambers, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted key ways to strengthen US-India strategic and economic ties, emphasizing the natural synergy between the two nations.

He also underscored policy continuity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership and outlined significant opportunities for American investors.

Dr. Jaishankar encouraged Board members to support the “PM’s Internship Scheme” to enhance employability, equip youth with the tools they need to thrive, and foster a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.