US Assures India of Stable Access to Advanced Technology, Says IT Secretary S. Krishnan

The United States has assured India that access to advanced technologies, once granted, will not be withdrawn, marking a significant step in strengthening the strategic technology partnership between the two countries. The assurance was conveyed during discussions at the second Pax Silica Summit, where senior officials from India and the US deliberated on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, critical minerals and secure technology supply chains.

Speaking after the summit, Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan said the US had reaffirmed its commitment to trusted partners by ensuring that technology access provided to India would remain stable. The assurance comes at a time when countries across the world are facing uncertainty due to tightening export controls on advanced technologies and growing geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains.

Krishnan described the commitment as a positive signal for India’s rapidly growing technology sector, which is seeking greater collaboration with global partners in cutting-edge fields such as AI and semiconductor manufacturing. He noted that dependable access to advanced technologies is essential for India’s long-term digital and industrial ambitions.

The discussions at the summit also covered India’s approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Krishnan reiterated that the government believes AI is still in an early phase of development and should be allowed to evolve through innovation rather than excessive regulation. While India remains open to introducing safeguards if necessary, he said the current priority is to encourage research, investment and technological advancement.

Officials also highlighted the importance of building resilient and diversified technology supply chains. Referring to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, Krishnan said overdependence on any single country for critical technologies or minerals poses significant risks. He stressed the need for trusted partnerships that ensure uninterrupted access to strategic resources and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

On the sidelines of the summit, Krishnan and Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary K. Nagraj Naidu met US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, who is leading the Pax Silica initiative. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in semiconductor production, AI development and securing supplies of critical minerals.

India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative earlier this year, signalling its commitment to building secure, diversified and resilient technology ecosystems. Officials from both countries said the collaboration reflects a shared vision of fostering innovation while ensuring reliable access to technologies that will drive future economic growth, digital transformation and national security.