Early Google Investor Urges U.S. to Redirect Strategic Investments to India Amid China Tensions

Asha Jadeja, an early Google investor and philanthropist, is advocating for the U.S. to redirect strategic investments toward India amid escalating tensions with China. Her efforts focus on strengthening academic and policy ties between the two nations to foster a deeper understanding of geopolitical and economic dynamics. Jadeja, who co-founded Google with her late husband Rajeev Motwani of Stanford, has established the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at OP Jindal Global University and funded programs at institutions including Stanford’s Hoover Institution, U.C. San Diego, and Columbia University. These initiatives aim to create a knowledge infrastructure that enables policymakers and business leaders to navigate U.S.-India collaboration effectively [1].

India’s rising significance for global corporations is underscored by its demographic and economic trajectory. The country’s GDP is projected to grow by over 6% annually for the next decade, supported by structural reforms and a young, well-educated population. Notably, Indian-born CEOs of Fortune 500 companies—such as Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet), and Arvind Krishna (IBM)—often arrived in the U.S. through higher education. Over 422,000 Indian students studied in the U.S. in 2023, outpacing China’s 329,000, while U.S. students studying in India remain minimal. Jadeja argues that such educational linkages are critical for cultivating future leaders who can bridge U.S. and Indian interests [1].

The U.S. shift toward viewing China as an adversary has amplified India’s geopolitical role. Jadeja emphasizes the need for policymakers to engage with academic experts who understand complex issues like mineral rights and human rights in the Indian context. “When decisions are made, they must be informed by data and relationships built through education and scholarship,” she told Fortune. This perspective aligns with broader U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s influence, as seen in recent trade agreements and corporate strategies. For instance, McKinsey and Amazon have curtailed AI collaborations in China, reflecting heightened scrutiny under the Trump administration [1].

Jadeja’s approach mirrors historical precedents like the Schwarzman Scholars program, which fosters U.S.-China relations. However, she underscores that India’s unique strengths—its democratic governance, large market, and educational exchanges—position it as a complementary partner to the U.S. in a multipolar world. The success of these initiatives hinges on sustained investment in cross-cultural understanding, a theme gaining traction as global supply chains diversify and technological competition intensifies.

Source: [1] [title:With China now an adversary, this early Google investor wants the U.S. to bet on India instead] [url:https://fortune.com/2025/07/23/asha-jadeja-china-india/]