The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi, February 20: Sundar Pichai on Thursday underscored the importance of the US-India technology partnership, calling it “critical” as India formally joins Pax Silica — a US-led initiative focused on artificial intelligence and secure supply chains.
Speaking at a special event in the national capital to mark India’s participation in the initiative, Pichai said the world stands “on the cusp of an era of hyper progress and new discoveries,” but cautioned that positive outcomes are not guaranteed.
“We must work together to ensure the benefits of AI are available to everyone, and everywhere,” he said.
Pichai expressed confidence in India’s AI future, stating that the country is poised for an “extraordinary trajectory” in artificial intelligence. He said Google is supporting this growth with a “full-stack commitment,” including products, infrastructure and scaling efforts.
He highlighted Google’s work in developing AI products and solutions tailored for Indian consumers and businesses, while empowering the country’s developer ecosystem. According to Pichai, Google has contributed 22 Gemma models to AI Coach initiatives and is collaborating with the government on real-world AI applications — from improving monsoon forecasting for farmers to assisting healthcare workers in screening for diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and expanding multilingual access to information and services.
Pichai also detailed Google’s partnerships in India across three key areas — innovation, skilling and infrastructure.
On innovation, he noted that features such as scam detection through Circle to Search and Lens are used more in India than anywhere else globally. The Gemini app, he added, is expanding rapidly and is now available in 10 Indian languages. He also pointed to YouTube’s role in supporting a vibrant community of Indian creators sharing music, arts and culture worldwide.
On skilling, Pichai said initiatives such as AI Skill House aim to equip 10 million future Indian leaders with AI capabilities. He also mentioned a partnership with Wadhwani AI to offer a Google AI certificate programme for students and early-career professionals.
On infrastructure, Pichai referenced Google’s previously announced $15 billion investment in Indian infrastructure, including the development of an AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The hub is expected to house gigawatt-scale computing capacity and generate employment while expanding access to advanced AI capabilities.
He further highlighted the recently announced India-America Connect initiative, which will establish new subsea cable routes linking India and the United States, along with other locations across the southern hemisphere. Combined with existing systems, he said, the initiative would significantly expand digital trade routes and act as a “literal bridge” between the two nations.
Pichai stressed that such efforts depend on stable and trusted supply chains across borders, adding that Pax Silica focuses on ensuring secure supply chains and encouraging greater commercial partnerships in key technologies.
Led by the United States Department of State, Pax Silica aims to build a shared economic security framework among trusted partners, recognising AI as a transformative force for long-term prosperity.
The announcement came during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 — the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South — which has brought together policymakers, industry leaders and academics to discuss responsible AI governance and inclusive technological development.
