Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the growing connection between Seattle’s technology ecosystem and India during a forum that brought together more than 40 Indian-origin technology executives.
The “Ideas4India: Indian American Tech CEOs Forum | Unlocking the Tech Dividend” was organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle to explore ways to deepen technology collaboration between India and the United States. The gathering followed the India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi in February.
Nadella attended as the guest of honor alongside Consul General Prakash Gupta. Reflecting on his nearly 35 years of experience in Seattle’s technology sector, Nadella noted the remarkable evolution of the region’s technology community and welcomed its increasingly strong connections with India.
He described AI as a general-purpose technology whose impact would ultimately depend on how broadly it is adopted across economies, communities and industries. His remarks came as technology leaders discussed opportunities to connect Seattle’s established innovation capabilities with India’s expanding digital and AI ambitions.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, also welcomed the participation of Indian-origin technology executives and their interest in advancing the bilateral technology relationship. He reaffirmed India’s approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing principles including inclusion, openness, technological sovereignty, broad access, safety and trust.
The forum featured leaders working across several advanced technology fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, aerospace and enterprise software. Representatives from major companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, OpenAI, Anthropic and Intel participated, along with executives from several technology startups and specialized firms.
Ajay Bhatt, known for his work on USB technology and his former role at Intel, was also among the participants.
Discussions examined areas where greater cooperation could benefit both countries, including AI infrastructure, data centers, semiconductor manufacturing and design, quantum research, workforce development, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Participants also exchanged ideas on connecting talent and innovation ecosystems across the two countries.
The discussions form part of the India-US TRUST Initiative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation in strategic technologies such as AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, telecommunications and biotechnology.
The consulate also pointed to major US corporate investments in India. Microsoft has announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India between 2026 and 2029, while Amazon has announced $48 billion in investments through 2030.
The gathering also paid tribute to Seattle technology leaders Samir Bodas and S. Somasegar, who were remembered for their contributions to the region’s technology ecosystem and support for Indian-origin entrepreneurs.
