Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called for deeper cooperation between India and the United States in technology, education, innovation, research, investment and culture, positioning Bengaluru as a key technology bridge between the two countries.
Speaking at an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in the presence of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Shivakumar said the India-US relationship was moving beyond traditional government-to-government engagement. He highlighted the growing role of universities, scientists, entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Bengaluru and Silicon Valley can strengthen tech ties
Shivakumar said Bengaluru and Silicon Valley could provide an important technological dimension to the India-US strategic partnership.
He highlighted Karnataka’s interest in expanding cooperation with the US in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and scientific research.
The Chief Minister said Karnataka’s ambition was not merely to adopt emerging technologies but to play a leading role in developing them.
His remarks come as Karnataka seeks to attract more global investment and strengthen its position as a hub for advanced technology, research and innovation.
Over 1,000 US companies in Karnataka
Highlighting the economic relationship between Karnataka and the US, Shivakumar said more than 1,000 American companies operate in Karnataka, accounting for nearly half of the total American corporate presence in India.
He also said more than 80,000 American citizens live in Bengaluru, underlining the city’s longstanding links with the United States.
According to Shivakumar, commerce and investment alone would not be sufficient to strengthen the bilateral relationship. He stressed the importance of exchanges involving knowledge, ideas and innovation.
The emphasis on talent and knowledge-sharing also reflects Bengaluru’s position as a major centre for technology companies, start-ups, research institutions and skilled professionals.
Karnataka highlights next-generation technology plans
Shivakumar outlined several initiatives that he said were aimed at creating an ecosystem for next-generation technologies and investments in Karnataka.
These include KWIN City and a semiconductor park, along with plans for an AI technology park featuring an AI hub and India’s first public-sector AI university.
The state is also seeking to expand its presence in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence.
Shivakumar referred to Foxconn’s operations in Bengaluru and said the state’s Aerospace Park was also expanding. These sectors, along with semiconductors and artificial intelligence, are being positioned as important areas for future investment and employment.
Bengaluru’s global technology identity
The Chief Minister also spoke about Bengaluru’s transformation into a global technology and education centre.
He credited Infosys founder Narayana Murthy with playing an important role in the city’s global journey, including through his association with Bengaluru International Airport Limited.
Shivakumar recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s observation that while people once travelled to Delhi and Mumbai, the world was increasingly coming to Bengaluru.
He described the city as a major global gateway to India and said Bengaluru’s international reputation had expanded beyond the information technology sector to include education, research and innovation.
Focus on education and cultural exchanges
Education was another major theme of Shivakumar’s address.
He said Bengaluru had emerged as a global education hub and called for stronger educational and cultural exchanges between Indian and US universities, institutions and young people.
Such exchanges, he suggested, could help build longer-term relationships based on talent and knowledge rather than focusing solely on commercial partnerships.
The approach also aligns with Karnataka’s broader efforts to connect its technology and research ecosystem with international institutions and companies.
Invitation to American companies
Shivakumar invited American companies and institutions to explore investment opportunities under Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru programme.
He said the state could offer investors access to skilled talent, research capabilities and industrial infrastructure, along with a government willing to partner with businesses.
The Beyond Bengaluru initiative is aimed at encouraging technology and investment activity beyond the state capital and expanding economic opportunities across Karnataka.
For American companies, the state’s pitch is centred on combining Bengaluru’s established technology ecosystem with opportunities in other emerging industrial and technology centres.
Science and technology as common ground
Shivakumar also referred to the space journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, saying it had inspired millions of young Indians and demonstrated what could be achieved when countries combine their scientific and technological strengths.
He used the example to underline the potential of international collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
The Chief Minister said Karnataka’s strength lay in its people, talent and openness to the world. He also congratulated the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Bengaluru positioned for deeper global partnerships
Shivakumar’s remarks reflect Karnataka’s efforts to position Bengaluru not only as India’s technology capital but also as a platform for deeper international collaboration.
The state’s focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies is expected to remain central to its investment strategy.
At the same time, the emphasis on education, research, cultural exchanges and talent indicates a broader approach to the India-US relationship.
With more than 1,000 American companies already operating in Karnataka, the state is seeking to deepen existing economic ties while attracting new investments in emerging technologies.
The latest pitch places Bengaluru at the centre of that strategy, with Shivakumar presenting the city as a link between India’s growing technology ecosystem and Silicon Valley.