Global Leaders Show Strong Interest in India
Shri Vaishnaw highlighted sustained international interest in collaborating with India across infrastructure, technology, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging sectors. He noted that global confidence in India’s economy was reinforced through discussions with top leaders, including Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Chairman of Temasek, who expressed Singapore’s commitment to investing in India’s physical and digital infrastructure and deep-tech startups.
Industry giants such as Maersk are engaging to strengthen logistics infrastructure across ports, shipping, and railways, while Honeywell plans to expand its operations in India, including railway modernisation and manufacturing. These discussions underscore India’s growing stature as a trusted partner in advanced industries.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors
Shri Vaishnaw met AI leaders, including Mr. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, and Mr. Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer, OpenAI, encouraging active participation in India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in February 2026. The Summit will focus on three objectives: assessing AI’s real-world impact on productivity, ensuring wider access to AI through democratisation, and establishing safeguards for responsible AI use.
On semiconductors, the Minister stated that pilot production has begun at approved facilities, with commercial production expected shortly, marking a historic milestone after six decades. He highlighted India’s methodical approach to building a robust semiconductor ecosystem and emphasised progress in establishing indigenous mobile phone brands within 12–18 months.
Securing Critical Mineral Value Chains
Shri Vaishnaw addressed the importance of international collaboration to secure critical minerals value chains, noting their complexity across refining and processing stages. India already partners with countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Europe, and the United States to strengthen critical mineral ecosystems and ensure supply chain resilience.
India as a Reliable Global Partner
Speaking on the sidelines, the Minister remarked that at a time of global turbulence, India is increasingly recognised as a reliable, vibrant democracy capable of co-creating advanced technologies. Across discussions at WEF, he observed consistent trust in India as a partner for collaborative development in AI, semiconductors, advanced electronics, and infrastructure.
Shri Vaishnaw added that India’s strong economic growth, reform momentum, and focus on digital public infrastructure have bolstered its global image. “Virtually every major company we engaged with expressed confidence in India’s growth trajectory and enthusiasm to expand their presence here,” he said.
