(RAHNUMA) Hyderabad: The United States and India advanced the U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative today as a landmark conference in Hyderabad brought together leading officials, academics, and industry leaders to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The focus was clear: deliver outcomes that protect U.S. national security through critical technologies and expand economic opportunity through trusted partnerships.
“Leveraging U.S.–India TRUST: Industry Academia Partnerships in AI & Cybersecurity,” organized by the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad and World Trade Center, Shamshabad & Visakhapatnam at the World Trade Center in the Financial District, marks a pivotal milestone in implementing the TRUST initiative launched by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February 2025 to catalyze government, academic, and private sector partnerships across AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space – areas central to U.S. competitiveness and long-term security.
The Hyderabad conference translated high-level bilateral commitments into concrete partnerships. The TRUST initiative aims to build resilient supply chains, accelerate AI infrastructure development, and foster innovation ecosystems that strengthen both nations’ technological capabilities and economic competitiveness.
The TRUST framework is designed to ensure strategic technology collaboration is secure, results-driven, and aligned with U.S. interests, supporting both national security and American economic strength.
U.S. Consul General Laura Williams emphasized, “The TRUST initiative is a clear example of how the United States is advancing our national security and economic interests through strategic, results-driven partnerships. By working with India, we are building secure technology ecosystems that protect American innovation, strengthen our supply chains, and create new opportunities for U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies. In September 2025, Secretary Rubio affirmed the strength of the U.S.-India relationship, highlighting the implementation of the U.S.-India COMPACT, which will enhance our collaboration on trade, defense, energy, and more. Today’s conference is a step forward in that direction.”
Y Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman, World Trade Center, Shamshabad & Visakhapatnam, stated, “This collaborative initiative represents a defining moment for strengthening U.S.-India academic and industry partnerships. The conference was designed to foster innovation, build confidence, and enable knowledge exchange in the rapidly evolving domains of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, areas where both our nations have complementary strengths and shared interests.”
Dr. James Lerums of Purdue University delivered the keynote address, highlighting universities’ pivotal role in research, skills development, and technology partnerships — critical elements to build a pipeline of talent and innovation that supports AI and cybersecurity capabilities.
The conference featured four strategic thematic sessions addressing key dimensions of U.S.-India technology collaboration. These sessions examined how policy initiatives in both countries can complement AI growth, support development, and address challenges in data protection and cross-border research. Discussions also explored the growing use of AI in detecting and responding to cyber threats, an increasingly critical capability for national security and digital infrastructure. Participants reviewed successful models of U.S.-India academic collaboration and funding programs supporting joint research and training initiatives, while also charting long-term cooperation through skills development, research partnerships, and the establishment of common standards for safe AI deployment.
The conference highlighted both U.S. technological leadership and India’s progress as a center for AI innovation, driven by a vibrant startup ecosystem and strong academic-industry partnerships. These strengths are creating significant opportunities for bilateral collaboration across the AI value chain.
Panel discussions explored how government-supported programs from both nations can accelerate joint research while establishing frameworks for responsible AI development and robust cybersecurity standards essential for protecting sensitive systems, intellectual property, and data.
The event brought together representatives from leading American and Indian universities, technology companies, and policymakers, reflecting the multi-stakeholder approach central to the TRUST framework. Participants examined successful partnership models and identified pathways for expanding collaboration in research, talent development, and technology commercialization.
The conference concluded with a forward-looking roadmap emphasizing academic-industry research partnerships and establishment of common standards for safe use of AI and digital technologies. This event demonstrated the real strength of TRUST – advancing a robust, future-ready partnership that supports innovation while keeping U.S. security and competitiveness at the center.
