New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, on Saturday, marking a significant bilateral engagement focused on bolstering India’s semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. The meeting, according to a statement released by Modi’s office, occurred following a notification from China regarding an investigation into Qualcomm’s acquisition of Autotalks.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted for approximately an hour, centered on Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting India’s growth in these critical technological fields. Modi, in a post on X, expressed his appreciation for Qualcomm’s dedication to India’s semiconductor and AI initiatives, highlighting the strategic importance of these sectors for the nation’s economic future. The post, which was widely circulated on social media, conveyed a tone of encouragement and mutual interest.
The foundation of the discussion was established following the China’s commencement of an investigation into Qualcomm. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced the inquiry, citing concerns over potential antitrust violations related to Qualcomm’s acquisition of Autotalks. SAMR stated that the investigation will analyze whether Qualcomm’s data disclosures regarding the acquisition were conducted in compliance with Chinese law.
The acquisition of Autotalks, a significant move by Qualcomm, has sparked considerable geopolitical tension. The investigation, stemming from concerns over market dominance and data transparency, has implications for the global chip industry and its supply chains. SamR’s announcement, while seemingly focused on a single acquisition, has broader ramifications for the semiconductor landscape, particularly concerning the balance of power within the global market.
The meeting between Modi and Amon likely served as a platform for discussing potential collaborative efforts between India and Qualcomm, focusing on expanding India’s access to advanced technologies and contributing to its national strategic goals. Further developments regarding the investigation and Qualcomm’s response remain subject to monitoring.
