On November 2, Asia Society Seattle and the Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted “Asia’s Technology Century: Competing and Collaborating in the Indo-Pacific,” a panel discussion examining how technology shapes regional relationships.
Speakers explored India’s future amid U.S.–China artificial intelligence competition and unpredictable foreign policy. Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta opened the discussion by examining political and societal challenges from rapid AI advancements, according to Asia Society.
Gupta emphasized ensuring inclusivity at every stage of AI deployment. He noted that the United States concentrates approximately 60% of global data centers, which affects current equity and sustainability.
“How can we course-correct to ensure that the benefits of the AI revolution are shared more broadly, including across Asia?” Gupta asked the audience, as reported by Asia Society.
Sital Kalantry of Seattle University School of Law moderated the conversation, asking where India fits within shifting relationships between major powers. Indrani Bagchi of the Ananta Aspen Centre highlighted the intertwined relationship between technology and geopolitics.
“We need caution in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence,” Bagchi told Asia Society, cautioning against prioritizing dominance over thoughtful development.
Vishakha Desai, former President of Asia Society and Senior Advisor to Columbia Global, examined how India manages regional relationships. Desai noted that global media coverage often centers overwhelmingly on China, creating a fragmented understanding of regional developments.
Desai discussed how the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership allows India to strengthen its geopolitical position. However, she questioned whether such alliances are sufficient to help India gain ground in the global technology race. Persistent infrastructure challenges and brain drain continue to hinder India's technological ambitions.
Gary Rieschel of Qiming Venture Partners examined China’s venture capital strengths compared to India’s. Rieschel suggested that India’s venture capital ecosystem could face stagnation without greater investment in physical and innovation infrastructure.
Rieschel noted that global competition is shifting from the cost of human labor to the cost of capital. He encouraged India to use its large and skilled labor force while adapting to economic changes.
“AI-driven transformation will likely lead to job displacement across industries,” Rieschel told Asia Society, arguing that potential losses should not deter technological ambitions.
Desai emphasized equity and mutual respect in global partnerships. She used the example of India’s need for crude oil and the United States’ demand for human capital to illustrate necessary cooperation.
Rieschel argued that nations should prioritize national interests with an “us first” approach. He stressed that this approach requires predictability to build successful international partnerships.
The panel examined U.S.–China AI competition, regulatory frameworks, societal impact, and infrastructure challenges facing India in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sital Kalantry of Seattle University School of Law moderated the conversation, featuring speakers from the Ananta Aspen Centre, Qiming Venture Partners, and Columbia Global.
Speakers identified persistent infrastructure constraints and brain drain as obstacles to India's growth in the global technology market.