Finance Minister’s Outreach to Global CEOs and Investors in San Francisco
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently met with global CEOs, pension fund managers, and other institutional investors in San Francisco. The meetings focused on fostering investment collaboration in India, emphasizing opportunities in energy sustainability, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven growth. In the presence of Finance Secretary Ajay Seth and India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Sitharaman engaged in detailed discussions with business leaders on India’s evolving policy framework and future prospects.
During the discussions, Sitharaman highlighted India’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to long-term investments and collaboration. Key topics included the Rs 1 lakh crore ($12 billion) fund for private sector-led research, development, and innovation, as well as India’s growing role as a global leader in digital and technological advancement.
Opportunities in AI, Cloud, and Digital Infrastructure
A major highlight of the talks was the potential for collaboration in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Sitharaman held one-on-one meetings with top global CEOs, including Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing, who expressed his enthusiasm for India to lead the global AI revolution. Siddharth discussed working with Indian talent to create a sovereign AI model that could serve as a global template.
Sitharaman, acknowledging India’s increasing potential as an AI superpower, encouraged Siddharth to explore further collaboration opportunities. The Finance Minister also met with Debanjan Saha, CEO of DataRobot, who expressed interest in participating in India’s AI Centre of Excellence, supported by the recent allocation of Rs 500 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26.
Digital Infrastructure and the IndiaAI Mission
India’s policy initiatives aimed at boosting digital infrastructure were another focal point of the discussions. Sitharaman informed participants about the Rs 10,300 crore allocated for the IndiaAI Mission and the creation of AI language technologies like BharatGen and Sarvam-1. These steps are aimed at reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in digital adoption and AI development.
The Union Finance Minister also emphasized the government’s continued efforts to enhance the country’s digital capabilities through initiatives like the Srijan Centre for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur. With these developments, India is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global AI landscape.
Global Collaboration and India’s Growing Role in the Tech Space
In her meetings with Anjney Midha of Andreessen Horowitz, VMware CEO Raghu Raghuram, and Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, Sitharaman discussed the remarkable transformation in India’s technology space under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kurian specifically acknowledged the significant progress made in India’s digital infrastructure and the positive trajectory India is on, noting the country’s increasing adoption of AI and digital technologies.
Kurian also shared Google Cloud’s vision to operate entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030, and mentioned upcoming investments in India. The discussions also touched upon connecting India to the global digital ecosystem through more robust land and sea cable connectivity.
Strategic Initiatives and Policy Frameworks for Growth
Sitharaman outlined the policy frameworks in place that make India an attractive destination for global investors. She highlighted the successful execution of projects under the Digital India initiative and the opportunities for collaboration that align with India’s vision of becoming a global hub for technological innovation and research.
In her conversations, the Finance Minister emphasized that the Indian government remains committed to facilitating a smoother investment process for international partners, ensuring that their engagement with India is mutually beneficial.
Conclusion: India’s Growth Story and Global Collaboration
Nirmala Sitharaman’s meetings with global CEOs and institutional investors in San Francisco marked an important step in deepening India’s relationship with key international business leaders. With a focus on innovation, digital infrastructure, and AI, India’s growth story is increasingly attracting the attention of global stakeholders looking to engage with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
By encouraging collaboration across sectors like energy, technology, and AI, India is positioning itself as a leader in both innovation and sustainability, ready to offer long-term growth opportunities for global businesses.
Category: Economy, Technology & Innovation, Business & Investment
Tags: Nirmala Sitharaman, global CEOs, India growth, AI innovation India, GIFT-IFSC, Turing AI, DataRobot AI, India digital infrastructure, investment in India, Google Cloud India
