Satya Nadella Backs India-US Tech Ties at Ideas4India AI Forum in Seattle

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella joined more than 40 Indian-origin technology leaders at the Ideas4India forum in Seattle, where discussions focused on artificial intelligence, innovation, talent and deeper India-US technology cooperation.

Organised by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the ‘Ideas4India: Unlocking the Tech Dividend’ forum brought together executives and innovators working across AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, aerospace and enterprise software. Nadella said he was pleased to see Seattle’s technology ecosystem strengthen its relationship with India and described AI as a general-purpose technology whose benefits depend on broad adoption across countries and sectors.

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, highlighted the participants’ interest in expanding technology ties. Discussions covered AI infrastructure, data centres, semiconductor design and manufacturing, quantum research, workforce development, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The forum was also linked to the India-US TRUST Initiative, which seeks greater cooperation in strategic technologies including AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, telecommunications and biotechnology.

The meeting highlighted the growing presence of major US technology companies in India. Microsoft has announced a $17.5 billion investment in India from 2026 to 2029 for cloud and AI infrastructure, skills development and operations. Amazon has announced plans to invest $48 billion between 2026 and 2030, including expanding AWS data-centre capacity.

The gathering also remembered Seattle-based technology leaders Samir Bodas and S Somasegar, who recently died. Both were recognised for their contributions to the technology ecosystem and Indian-origin entrepreneurship.