India-US Boost Trade in Semiconductors & Electronics
India and the United States have set an ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade, focusing on high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and critical technologies, despite ongoing challenges like tariffs and protectionist policies, industry experts said on Friday.
The engagement follows discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, reaffirming a shared vision for a strategic partnership crucial to global stability and economic prosperity. The India-US relationship has evolved into one of the most significant alliances of the 21st century, addressing key priorities in trade, technology, and defence, said Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).
Building on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), the collaboration will drive advancements in defence, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space exploration. The launch of the INDUS Innovation Bridge, inspired by the INDUS-X platform, aims to enhance partnerships between academia and industry, fostering innovation in space, energy, and emerging technologies.
Additionally, the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative will facilitate the deployment of large-scale US-origin AI infrastructure in India. This will address export control concerns and allow Indian companies greater access to global AI ecosystems, Chandak noted.
Both countries also emphasized the importance of research, development, and investments across the critical mineral value chain to support semiconductor manufacturing and other emerging industries. The collaboration extends to energy security, with efforts to expand India's solar energy market, though tariff-related issues remain a key challenge.
Defence cooperation was another focal point, with agreements on technology transfers and advanced weapon system collaborations aimed at strengthening India’s defence capabilities and strategic autonomy.
With a shared commitment to economic growth, technological innovation, and global security, the India-US partnership is poised to deliver transformative outcomes, particularly in semiconductors and high-tech industries, experts said.
