On June 16, ORF America co-hosted a closed-door workshop with Carnegie India on U.S.–India Technology Cooperation: Next Steps for TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology). The workshop convened representatives from government, academia, and private defense and technology firms to discuss how the United States and India can accelerate the development of AI infrastructure and advance defense industrial cooperation. The goal of the workshop was to discuss opportunities to build on these priorities — particularly through the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year and the AI Summit in February next year, both hosted by India.

Session one focused on policies and regulations necessary to expand development of and access to AI infrastructure in India and the United States. Participants highlighted the value of leveraging India’s human capital, scale, local innovation ecosystem, and its position as a trusted partner in the Global South. Additionally, harmonizing differing approaches to AI access between the United States and India was raised as an important priority.

Session two explored next steps for U.S.-India defense cooperation through initiatives such as TRUST and ASIA (Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance). Participants emphasized the need to learn from past cooperation initiatives to understand what worked and what could be done differently. They discussed the need for new procurement mechanisms, better export control alignment, and greater clarity on operational requirements to help facilitate deeper industrial cooperation. The discussion also touched on the role for autonomous capabilities within India’s force modernization plans.