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The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has praised the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, calling it a significant milestone that will enhance bilateral trade, investment, defence, and technology partnerships.

 

The industry body stated that the joint statement and initiatives announced during the visit under the US-India COMPACT framework have set a clear agenda for strengthening economic ties and fostering new opportunities for Indian businesses.

 

According to CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, the visit has opened new avenues for cooperation in strategic sectors such as defence, energy, semiconductors, space, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology.

 

He emphasised that these developments would create a favourable environment for private sector growth, boosting manufacturing in India, attracting foreign investment, and generating employment.

 

Prime Minister Modi’s discussions with US President Donald Trump reaffirmed a mutual commitment to expanding trade and investment.

 

CII welcomed the decision to work towards a phased bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers and simplifying regulatory processes.

 

The target of achieving USD 500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 is expected to benefit both nations, particularly by increasing Indian exports of labour-intensive goods and US exports of industrial products.

 

The proposed agreement is also expected to facilitate market access and regulatory harmonisation, allowing Indian goods and services to gain a stronger foothold in the US market.

 

Energy cooperation emerged as another crucial area of engagement. With India seeking to diversify its energy sources and meet ambitious net-zero targets, the US, with its vast gas reserves, can serve as a reliable supplier.

 

Discussions on nuclear reactors, aligned with India’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, have laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration in clean energy technology.

 

Defence partnerships featured prominently in the visit, with commitments to enhanced technology transfers, joint production, and industrial collaboration.

 

The launch of a ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership marks a transformative shift in strategic ties, with agreements on the co-production of Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stryker infantry vehicles, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

 

These initiatives are expected to bolster India’s defence capabilities while promoting indigenous manufacturing, skill development, and economic expansion.

 

A key outcome of the visit was the expansion of INDUS-X, a platform that connects Indian and US defence firms, investors, and academic institutions to drive joint innovation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced military technologies.

 

The establishment of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance is also expected to facilitate collaboration on AI-enabled unmanned systems and next-generation maritime security solutions.

 

These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s defence innovation ecosystem and technological capabilities.

 

Technology cooperation was another defining aspect of the visit, with the launch of the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) Initiative.

 

This initiative represents a major milestone in bilateral collaboration on critical and emerging technologies, fostering innovation, investment, and industrial partnerships.

 

Designed to enhance government, industry, and academic engagement, TRUST is expected to accelerate India’s transformation into a global technology and manufacturing hub.

 

A primary focus of the initiative is the development of AI infrastructure to support India’s digital economy, drive AI-driven solutions across sectors, and create high-value employment opportunities.

 

The US-India Roadmap on AI Infrastructure is set to attract investments in data centres, computing power, and regulatory frameworks, ensuring India’s leadership in AI-driven industries.

 

The initiative is also expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem by promoting chip manufacturing, critical mineral processing, and supply chain diversification.

 

By reducing dependence on imports, India aims to establish itself as a self-reliant technology powerhouse.

 

Beyond AI and semiconductors, TRUST is expected to drive investments in biotechnology, quantum computing, clean energy, and space exploration.

 

Enhanced technology transfers, regulatory alignment, and streamlined export controls are anticipated to create new industrial opportunities and support India’s ambition to become a global innovation hub.

 

The initiative is also projected to generate thousands of high-tech jobs, boost local research and development capabilities, and enhance India’s economic resilience and strategic autonomy.

 

Several other industries, including critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals, are also expected to benefit from the visit’s outcomes.

 

CII expressed optimism about the long-term impact of these developments. Banerjee stated that the new agreements and frameworks would enable Indian businesses to scale up, innovate, and integrate more effectively into global markets.

 

The expansion of defence co-production and technology sharing would also allow Indian firms to participate in advanced manufacturing and research and development, strengthening their capabilities.

 

Additionally, deeper digital and innovation partnerships are expected to support India’s startup ecosystem, creating high-skilled employment.

 

Sectors such as electronics, aerospace, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals stand to benefit from improved investment conditions and technology-sharing mechanisms.

 

CII highlighted that the visit aligns with India’s broader economic objectives, particularly in strengthening export competitiveness and attracting foreign capital.

 

Stronger trade and technology ties with the US are expected to fuel economic growth and position India as a key player in global supply chains.