ArtificialIntelligence – India Anchors US Vision for Global AI Expansion
ArtificialIntelligence – India has emerged as a pivotal force in the United States’ expanding artificial intelligence strategy, with senior officials in Washington describing the country as one of the world’s leading technology hubs.
In a recent television interview, Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said India’s technical strength and innovation capacity make it central to America’s broader AI ambitions. He was speaking shortly after returning from India, where he attended the India AI Impact Summit.
India’s Expanding Technology Ecosystem
Kratsios pointed to India’s large engineering base as a defining advantage. According to him, the country produces a significant number of engineers every year and continues to strengthen its domestic talent pool. He noted that Indian companies are not only contributing skilled professionals but are also building competitive products and digital applications.
He described India as a “technology powerhouse,” underlining the country’s growing influence in global innovation networks. The remarks reflect Washington’s recognition of India’s expanding role in emerging technologies, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes a central driver of economic transformation.
A Broader US Strategy on AI Adoption
Kratsios placed India within a larger US policy framework aimed at encouraging what he called “real AI sovereignty” among partner nations. He argued that the global divide between advanced economies and developing countries in AI adoption is widening.
According to him, nations that fail to invest in artificial intelligence risk being left behind at a critical moment in technological evolution. He emphasized that AI adoption should focus on sectors that deliver tangible public benefits, including healthcare, education, agriculture, energy systems and citizen-focused government services.
The White House is advancing these goals through the American AI Exports Program, an initiative designed to provide partner countries with access to advanced technology, financial backing and implementation support.
Financing and Infrastructure Challenges
Kratsios acknowledged that deploying artificial intelligence infrastructure is capital-intensive. He cited data centers, semiconductor supply chains and power generation as essential components of the broader AI ecosystem.
To address financial barriers, Washington is mobilizing support through institutions such as the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. These agencies are expected to play a role in helping countries adopt AI systems and related digital infrastructure.
He said the objective is to offer what he described as trusted, high-quality technology solutions combined with funding mechanisms that reduce adoption hurdles for emerging economies.
Defining “Real AI Sovereignty”
Kratsios explained that “real AI sovereignty” does not imply technological isolation. Instead, he framed it as the ability of countries to deploy advanced systems in ways that benefit their populations while maintaining control over their digital future.
He stressed that the US approach is not aimed at any single competitor, but rather at meeting the demand of nations seeking reliable artificial intelligence partnerships. According to him, many countries are interested in integrating American-developed AI technologies into their domestic ecosystems.
Standards and the Next Phase of AI
Looking ahead, Kratsios suggested that the next wave of innovation will likely center on AI agents—systems capable of acting autonomously or semi-autonomously. He noted that interoperability and secure communication among such systems will require unified standards.
He referenced ongoing efforts by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop frameworks that would enable AI systems to operate securely and effectively across different platforms.
Launch of a US Tech Corps
As part of the broader strategy, Kratsios also announced the formation of a US Tech Corps. The initiative, he explained, will bring together professionals with technical expertise who are willing to assist in deploying AI solutions internationally.
He likened the program to a technology-focused version of the Peace Corps, aimed at supporting partner countries in implementing digital transformation projects.
Kratsios concluded by emphasizing that India has long been a key partner in technology collaboration. With major American technology companies operating data centers and research facilities in the country, integration between the two ecosystems continues to deepen, reinforcing India’s position in the evolving global artificial intelligence landscape.