Surya Kant of Tata Sons joins USISPF board

Surya Kant, Senior Advisor to India’s leading industry house Tata Sons for various initiatives in North America, has joined the Board of Directors of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF).

“Sury’s leadership will help chart and guide the contours of the strategic partnership. Sury understands the changing dynamic of tech, startups, and STEM education in fostering stronger partnerships between Washington and New Delhi,” said Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF.

Kant, former Chairman of North America, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) leads various significant initiatives between the United States and India in his role at Tata Sons Private Limited.

An industry veteran with 40 years of experience, he advises numerous companies within the Tata group on their business strategies in the US, aiding in their expansion and exploration of new opportunities.

Kant represented Tata Sons at the launch of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), a pivotal bilateral initiative that was highlighted by the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his recent visit to New Delhi.

Notably, Kant has also made notable contributions to the growth of the Indian IT industry and the Tata group’s flagship IT and consulting services company, TCS. He led operations in various global offices, including the US, Japan, the UK, and North India. Under his leadership, TCS North America’s annual revenues grew from $1 billion to $13 billion.

Commenting on his appointment, Kant said, “The relationship between India and the United States has grown from strength to strength. USISPF’s efforts to foster the bilateral connections is crucial and I look forward to working with the other board members as we aim ever higher to realize the full potential of this unique partnership.”

Welcoming Kant to the board, USISPF president and CEO Dr. Mukesh Aghi said, “I am thrilled to welcome Sury to the USISPF Board of Directors. USISPF’s growth is demonstrated by the growing strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. Sury’s leadership will help chart and guide the contours of the strategic partnership.”

“Sury understands the changing dynamic of tech, startups, and STEM education in fostering stronger partnerships between Washington and New Delhi. I am confident that, with his inputs and expertise, we will explore newer avenues and deeper areas of collaboration between the United States and India,” he added.

Kant also oversaw TCS’ transition to title sponsor of the New York City Marathon and “made it the most technologically advanced and socially engaged marathon in the world.”

An advocate of STEM education, Kant also led comprehensive efforts across North America to provide under-served communities and the next generation of talent with the foundational skills for 21st-century careers.