India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra on May 9 identified quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and nuclear science as the next frontier areas of bilateral cooperation between India and the United States. According to Business Standard, Kwatra made the remarks at the US-India AI and Emerging Technology Forum in Washington, organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), ORF America, and the Motwani Jadeja Foundation on the sidelines of the AI+ Expo.
Kwatra specifically highlighted quantum computing, quantum communication, and nuclear fusion as areas of future cooperation. He described the potential convergence of AI, quantum computing, and nuclear fusion research as “something really exciting,” suggesting that AI could optimize fusion technology progress while future quantum computing advances could bring new computational capacities to nuclear research.
The ambassador also pointed to small and modular reactors as an area of interest and referenced India’s Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, enacted in December 2025, which replaced the Atomic Energy Act of 1964 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. According to the ambassador, the SHANTI Act “essentially unlocks the massive ability of the private sector to participate in the nuclear domain.” A delegation of American nuclear companies is scheduled to visit India later this month to explore cooperation opportunities following the opening of the civil nuclear power sector to private participation.
The forum also featured participation from Indian deep-tech startups and senior US officials. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison, also speaking at the event, said the United States wants to ensure countries in the region have access to “world class technology” while avoiding dependence on adversarial nations. Kwatra additionally listed biopharmaceuticals as a priority area and noted that university-level research collaboration between the two countries remains a key driver of the bilateral technology partnership.