US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor underscored the expanding scope of the India-US partnership during a major event in Bangalore marking 250 years of American freedom.

He emphasised that the relationship was being advanced through practical initiatives across trade, defence, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and space, while stressing that his mission was to deliver tangible outcomes rather than dwell on history.

Gor said the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate America’s journey but noted that President Donald Trump had tasked him with focusing on results. He remarked that Bangalore was the perfect setting for such discussions given its reputation for innovation, entrepreneurship and rapid execution. 

He added that the spirit of building and delivering was central to both the city and the current administration’s approach to bilateral ties.

Highlighting the importance of identifying areas of mutual benefit, Gor stated that every week the embassy sought examples of win-win opportunities for both nations.

He announced the launch of the TRUST Fellowship, a new collaboration between American and Indian researchers aimed at advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing and biotechnology. He described these fields as defining the century ahead.

The envoy pointed to the scale of cooperation already underway, noting that India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country. He said the partnership extended across sectors including bilateral trade, aerospace, defence sales, pharmaceuticals and space, with collaboration at record levels.

In a post on X, Gor added that the event was also an opportunity to underline the broader economic and strategic significance of the relationship, particularly in South India where innovation, investment and critical supply chains were being strengthened.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who attended the celebration, said Bangalore was playing an increasingly important role in the India-US relationship. He invited American companies, institutions and researchers to deepen their engagement with the state, describing Bangalore as the place where the world meets India.

He said the 250th anniversary of American independence was not only a historical milestone but also a celebration of enduring values such as freedom, democracy and human potential.

Shivakumar noted that while India and the United States have different historical trajectories, their aspirations increasingly converge through collaboration between institutions and people. He highlighted the depth of the American presence in Karnataka, pointing out that the state hosts more than 1,000 American companies and over 80,000 American citizens in Bangalore.

He drew a parallel between Bangalore and Silicon Valley, describing the relationship between the two technology hubs as a vital bridge between the two countries.

He said Bangalore was no longer just a destination for global talent but was increasingly a hub where the technologies of tomorrow were being imagined and built. He cited Karnataka’s efforts to build an ecosystem for emerging technologies, including KWIN City, the Semiconductor Park, the proposed AI Tech Park and AI Hub, as well as India’s first Public Sector AI University. He invited American businesses, institutions, researchers and innovators to expand their presence in Karnataka through initiatives such as Beyond Bangalore.

Shivakumar urged deeper partnerships in AI, semiconductors, aerospace, healthcare, space science, education and advanced manufacturing, combining American strengths, Indian aspirations and Karnataka’s energy to build a better future.

The event, attended by Gor and US Consul General Mariana L. Neisuler, thus combined the celebration of a major American historical milestone with a forward-looking focus on technology, investment, research, supply chains and strategic cooperation.

ANI