In a strategic push to support India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have established a trilateral framework to advance projects in the Indian information and communications technology (ICT) sector. From 5G and submarine cables to artificial intelligence (AI) and smart cities, these collaborative efforts mark a new chapter in US-Indo Pacific digital cooperation.
The United States has joined forces with its Indo-Pacific partners Japan and South Korea to enhance India’s digital infrastructure. The Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India Framework (DiGi Framework), signed in October 2024, broadcasted the three countries’ shared commitment to supporting resilient and secure digital systems across India.
The DiGi Framework sets the stage for trilateral cooperation on a broad spectrum of digital projects, such as the deployment of 5G networks, Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), submarine cables, and telecom towers, among others. It also includes support for the development of smart cities, rural connectivity, data centers, e-commerce platforms, and emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. These projects directly align with the Indian Government’s long-standing Digital India Initiative, aimed at building a digitally inclusive society and fostering a knowledge-driven economy. This trilateral approach builds on the momentum from the first-ever US-India-South Korea Technology Dialogue held in Seoul in March 2024. The high-level dialogue discussed strengthening collaboration on digital norms, supply chain resilience, and key emerging technologies—conversations that culminated in the DiGi Framework, turning strategic intent into actionable infrastructure projects.
Japan and South Korea as Trusted Tech Partners
Japan and South Korea, both long-standing partners in India’s technological environment, bring considerable technological expertise to this new chapter of collaboration. Japan has long supported India’s urban transformation through its Official Development Assistance (ODA), particularly via smart city initiatives in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. These smart city projects reflect mutual strategic goals—expanding Japan’s Indo-Pacific presence while advancing India’s infrastructure ambitions under the Smart Cities Mission. Launched under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, this initiative seeks to transform 100 cities across the country into smart cities.
South Korea is also playing a strategic role in India’s digital development, with public and private sectors driving progress. In 2023, South Korea extended a $4 billion line of credit to India for infrastructure development, including smart city initiatives in the states of Maharashtra, Sikkim, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. As recently as last week, a Korean delegation met with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to discuss avenues of collaboration and investment in “building a smarter Mumbai 3.0,” drawing inspiration from South Korea’s smart city success in Incheon.
At the forefront of South Korea’s private sector engagement is tech giant Samsung, a vital contributor in India’s digital journey for over 25 years. The South Korean firm employs more than 70,000 Indians throughout its two manufacturing facilities, five research and development (R&D) centers, the world’s largest mobile phone factory, and a vast retail network of over 200,000 stores across India. As a part of its Powering Digital India vision, Samsung is also actively working towards closing the digital divide by investing in next-generation technologies such as AI and cloud computing, reinforcing its enduring commitment to India’s digital advancement and innovation ecosystem.
State and Local Connections
Cooperation in digital infrastructure across the world could provide invaluable experience and know-how on implementing similar initiatives here in the United States. Earlier this month, the City of New York hosted the 2025 Smart City Expo USA, the US precursor to the Smart City Expo World Congress set to take place later this year in Barcelona. The Expo brought together global experts, industry leaders, and startups with cutting edge technology, aiming to implement safer, more sustainable, and innovative solutions across the United States.
Additionally, India can also learn from the United States, modeling its smart cities after successful US examples. Seattle is considered as one the most connected and high-tech cities in the United States and has strong connections to Indian technology firms. For instance, Indian cities could learn from Seattle’s Intelligent Transportation System, which connects different forms of transportation such as buses, trains, and bikes through information technology. Seattle-based venture capital firms and angel investors have also actively engaged Indian tech startups. In 2019, the Indian government aimed to improve digital infrastructure with a $100 billion investment, offering opportunities for US companies to supply telecom hardware. In addition to many startup founders and company executives, such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, more than 40% of foreign-born IT workers in Seattle are originally from India. Indian IT companies like Infosys or Wipro have US headquarters or major offices in the Seattle area, working closely with American clients on digital transformation projects. These partnerships foster technology transfers, smart infrastructure ideas, and cloud/AI-enabled solutions that could be adapted for India’s urban development.
Smart cities in India and the United States are forging stronger ties. Smart City Carmel, Indiana became a sister city with Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh in July 2023. These cities join Allahabad and Ajmer as part of the US-India Smart City Initiative, which began with investment from US company AECOM in 2016. In 2023, Carmel City Mayor James Brainard visited Visakhapatnam. Impressed with the city, he dubbed it as the “most beautiful city” he had ever seen in India. Mayor Brainard was particularly interested in the city’s floating solar panels: “The concept of floating solar panels is something I have not seen anywhere else, and the idea will probably be taken back [with us] to the US.”
Moving Forward
Together, these trilateral efforts signal how the United States and its Indo-Pacific allies are investing in not just infrastructure, but in shared (digital) futures. With over 1.4 billion citizens and as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, India not only stands at the center of Indo-Pacific digital transformation but also showcases major opportunity for US venture capitals, technology companies, and municipal governments. The collaboration between the United States, Japan, and South Korea bolsters India’s domestic capabilities and strengthens digital infrastructure of the Indo-Pacific in an increasingly digital area.
Alex Vu is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Alex is currently a junior at the University of South Florida, studying Econometrics & Political Science.
Emma Potts is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Emma recently graduated from Columbia University, majoring in Political Science and East Asian Languages & Cultures.