All Things Policy Can TRUST transform the India-US partnership?
Aug 7, 2025
In this discussion, Bhumika Sevkani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the potential of the India-U.S. TRUST initiative. She highlights how it aims to enhance tech ties in AI, defense, and critical minerals amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation explores India's journey toward technological self-reliance while shifting from Russian defense imports to American partnerships. Sevkani also dissects the implications of these changes on trade dependencies and trust-building between the two nations.
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TRUST Rebrands ISAT with New Emphasis
- The TRUST initiative is a rebranding of the previous ISAT initiative under the Trump administration.
- It emphasizes cooperation in AI, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals alongside defense and space.
Strategic Technologies Defined
- Strategic technologies in TRUST include AI, critical minerals, and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Controlling these gives countries geopolitical leverage and economic benefits.
India's AI Strengths and TRUST Goals
- India offers engineering talent, digital scale, and diversity for AI partnership with the US.
- TRUST aims to boost AI collaboration via infrastructure, entrepreneurial activity, and norm-setting.