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U.S.-India AI Partnership to Shape Responsible AI Future

NEW DELHI, India - February 20th, 2026 - Director Michael Kratsios, speaking at the India AI Impact Summit today, underscored the burgeoning U.S.-India partnership as a critical force in shaping a future defined by responsible artificial intelligence. His remarks emphasized the shared commitment between the two nations to not only advance AI technology but to ensure its ethical and beneficial deployment on a global scale.

Kratsios' address, delivered to a packed audience of policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, painted a picture of India as a rising technological superpower. He lauded India's position as the world's largest democracy coupled with its burgeoning tech sector, recognizing its unique ability to drive innovation while upholding democratic values. This duality, he argued, is essential for ensuring AI's development remains human-centered.

"India's leadership in technology is a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation is unleashed," Kratsios stated. "Their commitment to leveraging AI to address societal challenges - from revolutionizing healthcare and agriculture to improving access to education and sustainable energy - is truly inspiring."

The core of Kratsios' message revolved around the U.S.-India Artificial Intelligence Partnership. Launched several years ago, the partnership has steadily gained momentum, evolving from a series of bilateral discussions to concrete collaborative projects. These projects are now focusing on key areas identified as critical to both nations: improving healthcare outcomes through AI-powered diagnostics and treatment; enhancing disaster response capabilities with predictive analytics and resource allocation tools; and optimizing agricultural yields to address food security concerns. Recent expansions of the partnership include joint research initiatives into explainable AI (XAI) - ensuring AI decision-making processes are transparent and understandable - and the development of standardized AI safety protocols.

However, Kratsios stressed that technological advancement alone is insufficient. The United States, he explained, is actively pursuing a "whole-of-government" approach to advance "trustworthy AI." This involves the creation of comprehensive frameworks and best practices designed to ensure AI systems are not only technologically sound but also secure, reliable, ethical, and aligned with core democratic values. These frameworks are actively influencing domestic AI policy and are being shared with international partners, including India.

"We believe that AI should be developed and deployed in a way that benefits all of humanity," Kratsios emphasized. "This requires a commitment to responsible innovation, a focus on mitigating potential risks, and a dedication to ensuring that AI systems are fair, accountable, and transparent."

Several experts attending the summit noted a shift in the global conversation around AI, moving beyond the hype of potential to a more nuanced discussion of practical implementation and ethical considerations. Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading AI ethicist from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, commented, "The collaboration between the U.S. and India is particularly significant because both nations recognize the need to move beyond simply building AI to governing it responsibly. The focus on XAI and safety protocols is a welcome development."

The summit also highlighted the growing importance of data privacy and security in the age of AI. Both the U.S. and India are grappling with the challenges of balancing innovation with the need to protect citizens' data. Kratsios indicated ongoing discussions between the two countries on data sharing agreements that would facilitate collaborative research while safeguarding privacy.

Looking ahead, Kratsios reiterated the importance of continued collaboration and open innovation. He proposed expanding the U.S.-India partnership to include joint ventures with the private sector, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of AI startups and entrepreneurs. He also advocated for increased knowledge sharing and the establishment of exchange programs for researchers and students.

"By working together, sharing best practices, and fostering a culture of responsible AI development, we can ensure that this technology is used to create a more prosperous and equitable world," Kratsios concluded. The sentiment resonated strongly with attendees, signaling a strong commitment from both nations to a future where AI serves as a catalyst for positive change.


Read the Full whitehouse.gov Article at:
[ https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/02/remarks-by-director-michael-kratsios-at-the-india-ai-impact-summit/ ]