Consul General of India in Chicago Amit Kumar, joined the session on India-US IT Cooperation and opportunities as part of IndiaSoft 2021 series organized by Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).
In his comments during the meeting, Consul General Kumar provided a brief overview of the potential and the opportunities for U.S.-India cooperation in the field of IT and how Covid-19 has accelerated the expansion of the digital footprint in the economy.
He said that the advent of technology including IoT, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Block Chain technologies etc., can be leveraged for realizing our development objectives, improving delivery of government services and productivity of our economy, a press release from the Consulate said. He also highlighted how global IT demand is shifting from traditional requirement of software services and systems integration.
Focusing on the collaboration between India and the US-Midwest, Kumar point in particular to how the digital processes are impacting manufacturing, health care and pharma, insurance sector, etc. He said, the Consulate will be happy to work with relevant stakeholders and facilitate engagement in these areas, particular for MSMEs in IT, ICT and related areas.
He identified the Mid-West region as one that has emerged as a hub for advanced and smart manufacturing as well as being home to several exciting start-ups in pharmaceuticals, bio-health, health-care sector and insurance services.
The region is also at the forefront of automation of work and Industry 4.0. He pointed out the Chicago area is among the top three hubs for Start-Ups in the US and top-ranked when it comes to B-2-B solutions in manufacturing sector, healthcare, logistics, etc. Other important areas include Michigan and Indiana.
Other speakers at the event included by Nalin Kohli, chairman INDIASOFT and past chairman, ESC; Sanjay Chadha, additional secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India; Consul General of India at Atlanta Dr Swati Kulkarni; Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary, IT, Government of Telangana; and Saurabh Gaur, joint secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. Several other representatives from India based IT companies, USIBC, IT Serve and some private companies also spoke.
