CM Shivakumar calls for deeper Indo-US ties in tech, innovation
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday called for deeper India-US cooperation in technology, education, innovation, research, investment and culture, pitching Bengaluru as a key technology and innovation hub in the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Addressing an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, in the presence of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Shivakumar said the India-US relationship was moving beyond traditional government-to-government engagement, with universities, scientists, entrepreneurs, startups and businesses playing an increasingly important role.
“Washington and New Delhi may guide the strategic partnership between our countries. But Bengaluru and Silicon Valley give it a powerful technological dimension,” he said.
Shivakumar said Karnataka was keen to expand cooperation with the US in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and scientific research.
“Karnataka’s ambition is to be among those who shape, build and lead the technologies of tomorrow,” he said.
Highlighting economic ties, the chief minister said more than 1,000 American companies operated in Karnataka, accounting for nearly half of the total American corporate presence in India, while more than 80,000 American citizens lived in Bengaluru.
“The strongest connection between our two countries will be built not only through commerce, but through knowledge, ideas and innovation,” Shivakumar said.
The CM said Karnataka was building an ecosystem for next-generation technologies and investments, including KWIN City and a semiconductor park, besides plans for an AI tech park with an AI hub and India’s first public sector AI university.
Shivakumar also highlighted the state’s growing presence in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, saying Foxconn, which manufactures Apple iPhones, had its largest presence in India in Bengaluru. He said the state’s Aerospace Park was also expanding.
Referring to Bengaluru’s emergence as a global technology and education hub, Shivakumar said the city had strengthened its role in India’s international engagement.
“(Infosys founder) Narayana Murthy played an important role in shaping Bengaluru’s global journey, including his association with BIAL,” he said.
Recalling former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s observation that while people once travelled to Delhi and Mumbai, “today, the world comes to Bengaluru”, Shivakumar said the city had become a major global gateway to India.
“The world looks at India through Bengaluru,” he said.
Shivakumar said Bengaluru has also emerged as a global education hub, with one of the highest concentrations of international schools in the country, and called for stronger educational and cultural exchanges between universities, institutions and young people in India and the US.
Inviting American companies and institutions to explore investment opportunities under the state’s Beyond Bengaluru programme, Shivakumar said Karnataka offered access to talent, research capabilities, industrial infrastructure and a government willing to partner with investors.
Referring to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey, he said it had inspired millions of young Indians and demonstrated what could be achieved when nations combined their talent, science and technology.
“Karnataka’s strength is its people, its talent and its openness to the world. And this is only the beginning,” Shivakumar said.
Congratulating the people of the United States on its 250th anniversary of independence, he said India, the US and Karnataka could combine their strengths in science, technology and innovation to build a more prosperous future.
