State subsidies can spark partnerships, but sustainable growth lies in market-driven innovation, asserts strategic affairs expert
Speaking at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit in New Delhi, Ashley J. Tellis, Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, offered sharp insights into the future of US-India technology relations. Tellis emphasized that while government-led initiatives and subsidies can serve as catalysts, long-term collaboration must ultimately be driven by free-market dynamics and innovation, reported timesofoman.com.
During his remarks, Tellis pointed out that while state interventions can ignite collaboration, true sustainability lies in an open, competitive environment. “State action and subsidies are great to jump-start the process,” he said, “but if we want enduring partnerships, we need market transformations in both countries that allow innovation to meet the demands of the market.”
Tellis underscored that real, lasting growth in US-India tech partnerships will depend on transforming both markets to embrace competitive innovation — not just on state support
He also reflected on the shifting priorities of the U.S. under potential future leadership. Citing the Trump administration’s transactional bias, Tellis suggested that such an approach could open new doors for tech acquisition globally but might also risk undermining long-standing international nor
“For 70 years, the U.S. has balanced supporting allies while upholding a global proliferation regime to maintain order,” Tellis warned. “If aiding our friends ends up eroding these frameworks, neither U.S. nor allied interests will be well-served.”
He further questioned whether future American administrations would have the strategic patience and discipline to navigate these complexities. “Time will tell whether, net-net, we come out ahead,” he concluded, highlighting the uncertain road ahead for global tech cooperation.
The Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025, co-hosted by Carnegie India and the Ministry of External Affairs, is being held from April 10-12 in New Delhi, with its theme ‘Sambhavna’ focusing on the transformative possibilities of emerging technologies in reshaping global partnerships and governance.
