Transforming technology: U.S. and India launch the TRUST initiative
The United States and India have launched the U.S.-India TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) to enhance technological cooperation in critical and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, defence, energy, and space. This initiative aims to foster collaborations between governments, academia, and private-sector leaders from both nations.
What is the U.S.-India TRUST initiative?
On 13th February 2025, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, welcomed the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for an official working visit in Washington, D.C. The two leaders set an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to an impressive $500 billion by 2030. They also announced exciting plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the autumn of 2025.
The TRUST initiative focuses on advancing strategic technologies, ensuring secure supply chains, and fostering innovation between the U.S. and India. This programme aims to develop critical and emerging technologies while maintaining a secure supply chain. It also promotes partnerships across government, academia, and the private sector to ensure continued innovation and leadership in key technological domains.
Key areas of focus
AI is leading the charge in this effort, and both countries are aware of its revolutionary potential. The TRUST initiative will support cooperation on AI infrastructure, ethical AI development, and regulatory regimes. Trump stressed the need for the U.S. to stay ahead in AI, while acknowledging India’s emerging position as a major partner.
Trump said during the press conference with Modi, “We are announcing that the United States and India are joining forces to ensure that artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies are developed by two of the most advanced nations intellectually and technologically anywhere in the world. There’s nobody very much closer. We have an incredible relationship there, and this is where it seems to be heading.”
Trump added, “Artificial intelligence is a very complex subject, but it seems to be where people want to be and want to go, and we’re leading right now by a lot. But other people will try to catch us. I don’t know if they’re going to be able to.”
Significance of AI in U.S.-India relations
AI growth calls for huge electrical inputs. Trump proposed the extension of AI-based energy infrastructure, ensuring that the power of computers remains high enough to keep up with developments. This entails creating new-generation data centres and AI chips.
Trump stated, “We’ll make tremendous amounts of electricity available. We’re going to allow those purchasing the electricity to build their power generation plants. This is unprecedented in our country, but we’re going to accomplish it very quickly.”
He continued, “We’re declaring this a national emergency, and that’s exactly what it is. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of AI, or artificial intelligence, for a long time. We’ll be collaborating closely with India and other countries on this, but we’re leading by a significant margin for now.”
Semiconductors, defence and space technology advancements
With China’s dominance in semiconductor production, the U.S. and India aim to develop a more secure and independent supply chain. The TRUST initiative promotes joint investments in semiconductor research, manufacturing, and innovation, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The U.S. and India have strong defence relations, and the alliance will further boost mutual defence technology collaboration, satellite initiatives, and space exploration missions. The alliance will strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The partnership between the U.S. and India represents a significant step towards fostering partnerships and investments in pioneering technologies. Through this collaboration, the U.S. aims to enhance access to AI computing, drive innovation in AI models, and address societal challenges. The partnership also seeks to ensure adequate protection with minimal regulatory interference, highlighting the importance of democratic values in technological evolution.
India’s take on partnership
The United States and India are joining forces to promote industry partnerships and investments in next-generation data centres. They aim to improve access to AI computing and processors and drive innovations in AI models and applications to tackle societal challenges. This partnership will also emphasise necessary protections and work to reduce regulatory barriers.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “The twenty-first century is driven by technology. Close cooperation in the technology sector between countries that uphold democratic values can provide new direction, strength, and opportunities for all of humanity.”
He added, “India and the United States will collaborate in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and other advanced technologies.”
Economic implications and trade growth
With a goal of achieving $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, the TRUST initiative lays the foundation for greater economic integration. The upcoming Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will further increase business opportunities and cross-border investments.
During the official meeting in Washington, D.C., both leaders reiterated their commitment to advancing strategic technology partnerships. Trump emphasised the U.S.’s role as a global AI leader, while Modi highlighted the benefits of democratic collaboration in technological development.
