US-India AI Partnership Talks in Bengaluru Ahead of AI Impact Summit

US Under Secretary William Kimmitt led a high-level trade delegation to Bengaluru, meeting with major US and Indian tech firms to discuss AI investment and partnership opportunities. The talks focused on advancing the new US-India trade framework and promoting exports under the American AI Exports Program. The delegation also held a defense-focused roundtable with Admiral Samuel Paparo on emerging technology cooperation. Following the Bengaluru visit, the officials will proceed to New Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit.

Key Points: US-India Talks on AI Cooperation & Tech Exports in Bengaluru

  • US delegation discusses AI integration & exports
  • Focus on new US-India trade agreement
  • Defense tech cooperation on agenda
  • Delegation to join India AI Impact Summit
  • New American AI Exports Program detailed
3 min read

US Under Secy Kimmitt leads ITA delegation to Bengaluru, holds talks on AI, tech cooperation ahead of participating in AI Impact Summit

US Under Secretary Kimmitt leads trade delegation to Bengaluru for AI and tech collaboration talks ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

"The new, historic trade agreement... will cement our bilateral relationship for decades to come. - William Kimmitt"

Bengaluru, February 18

US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt led a delegation of officials from the International Trade Administration to Bengaluru, holding discussions with leading American and Indian technology firms on artificial intelligence and strengthening US-India tech collaboration ahead of their participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital.

During the visit to Bengaluru on Tuesday, Kimmitt and the ITA delegation met with several US and Indian companies and innovators to understand how they are investing in AI, integrating AI into their business models, and creating opportunities for deeper US-India technology partnerships.

The delegation visited Chevron Engine, Google DeepMind, South Park Commons, and Biocon, according to an ITA release.

"It is a privilege to visit the heart of tech innovation in Bangalore at such a critical juncture for the US-India relationship," Kimmitt said.

He welcomed India's participation in the American AI Exports Program and said the US looks forward to working with trusted partners to advance prosperity and security through American AI leadership.

"The new, historic trade agreement between the U.S. and India will cement our bilateral relationship for decades to come and promote the adoption of cutting-edge U.S. technologies in the Indian market. The United States welcomes India's participation in the American AI Exports Program, and we look forward to working with trusted partners to power a new age of prosperity and security with American AI leadership," he stated, as quoted in a release.

In addition to industry engagements, Kimmitt, alongside Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, joined the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum for a roundtable discussion focused on defence cooperation in emerging technologies.

The talks covered advancing the objectives of the newly concluded framework of the US-India interim trade agreement, promoting US AI and technology exports, and strengthening industrial capacity to support US and allied security.

The ITA delegation also includes Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Remington, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia Pamela Phan, and Chief of Staff Trevor Kellogg.

Following the Bengaluru visit, Kimmitt and the delegation will travel to New Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit, where they are expected to highlight the new US AI Exports Program.

The American AI Exports Program will include a public call for proposals from industry-led consortia to export comprehensive AI technology packages. These full-stack AI export packages are expected to integrate AI-optimised hardware, data centre storage, AI models, cybersecurity measures, and sector-specific applications, tailored for trusted international partners.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While cooperation is good, we must ensure this "American AI Exports Program" doesn't just turn India into a market for US tech. We need true partnership and tech transfer, not just sales. Our own startups like those in Koramangala should benefit equally.
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Rohit P
Good to see defence tech cooperation mentioned too. In today's world, AI for national security is crucial. A strong US-India tech alliance can help counter other influences in the Indo-Pacific. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Biocon on the list - shows AI's impact is beyond just IT, into biotech and healthcare. This could mean big advancements for medicine in India. Hope the summit addresses ethical AI use as well.
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Vikram M
"Trusted partners" is the key phrase. Hope this partnership is mutually respectful and long-term. We have the talent pool, they have capital and advanced research. Together, can do wonders for global AI governance.
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Karthik V
As a techie in Electronic City, I welcome this. But the government must also invest heavily in our own sovereign AI capabilities. We can't be dependent. Let's learn, collaborate, but also build our own stack.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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