Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S has been appointed as the Chair of the NASSCOM US CEO Forum, a development that underscores the growing importance of collaboration between India and the United States in the technology sector. This move is seen as a significant step toward deepening bilateral engagement at a time when both nations are shaping global innovation agendas.
The appointment reflects the recognition of Ravi Kumar’s leadership in steering Cognizant through a period of transformation and growth, as well as his experience in navigating the evolving global technology landscape. The NASSCOM US CEO Forum brings together leaders from Indian technology companies operating in the United States to engage with policy makers, business leaders, and institutions. The group serves as a bridge to address shared challenges, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate opportunities for innovation-driven growth.
Ravi Kumar’s role as Chair comes at a moment when technology is central to economic competitiveness and international relations. The United States is India’s largest technology partner, and Indian IT firms have played a crucial role in supporting American enterprises with digital transformation, cloud migration, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. With global supply chains shifting and businesses seeking trusted partners, the forum aims to highlight the critical role Indian technology expertise can play in ensuring resilience and agility for US companies.
Industry observers believe that under Ravi Kumar’s leadership, the forum will focus on amplifying the contributions of Indian technology firms to the US economy, including job creation, skill development, and technology enablement across industries. The narrative is also expected to emphasize how Indian companies are helping American enterprises remain globally competitive by leveraging advanced technology solutions.
For Ravi Kumar, the appointment is not only about representing Cognizant but also about positioning the entire Indian IT services industry as a trusted partner in the United States. Having joined Cognizant in early 2023, he has since focused on driving operational discipline, expanding digital capabilities, and aligning client needs with cutting-edge solutions. His leadership experience, which includes senior roles at Infosys prior to joining Cognizant, gives him deep insights into how Indian IT firms have evolved to become strategic partners for global enterprises.
NASSCOM, as the apex body for the Indian IT and business process management sector, has consistently played a key role in advocating for Indian companies on the global stage. The US CEO Forum is one of its flagship initiatives aimed at ensuring that Indian technology leaders have a unified voice in the world’s largest economy. The forum will now have Ravi Kumar steering its agenda at a time when regulatory frameworks around data, privacy, and emerging AI technologies are becoming increasingly important for businesses on both sides.
In his new role, Ravi Kumar is expected to engage with senior US government officials, trade bodies, and business leaders to highlight the value of India–US technology cooperation. This is especially important as both countries pursue digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence research, and supply chain security. His mandate is also likely to include strengthening talent mobility between India and the United States, ensuring that skilled professionals can continue to contribute to innovation while addressing concerns around visas and workforce integration.
The appointment comes as Indian IT services exports to the United States continue to grow, accounting for a major portion of the industry’s revenues. At the same time, American companies are deepening investments in India, setting up global capability centers and innovation hubs that support their worldwide operations. This two-way exchange has created a technology corridor that has been mutually beneficial for decades, and the NASSCOM US CEO Forum plays a central role in sustaining and expanding it.
Ravi Kumar’s vision for the forum is expected to focus on areas where collaboration can deliver the highest impact. These include developing next-generation digital skills, creating frameworks for responsible artificial intelligence, and supporting small and medium enterprises in adopting new technologies. With growing interest in sustainability, green technology, and cybersecurity, the forum may also address how cross-border cooperation can help enterprises navigate global challenges.
For Cognizant, the appointment further strengthens its brand as a thought leader in the global technology ecosystem. It positions the company not just as a service provider but also as a shaper of policy discussions and industry priorities. For the broader Indian IT industry, having a leader of Ravi Kumar’s stature at the helm of the US CEO Forum sends a strong message about the sector’s maturity and its role in shaping global digital transformation.
As India and the United States continue to define the future of technology, leadership platforms such as the NASSCOM US CEO Forum will be critical in ensuring alignment of priorities, promoting innovation, and building trust. Ravi Kumar’s appointment is a milestone that underscores the importance of collaboration, not only for businesses but also for the digital economies of both nations.
