Indian-Americans upbeat on appointment of Sriram Krishnan as AI policy advisor on Trump’s team

Sriram Krishnan (Source: X @sriramk)

TOI Correspondent from US: US President elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Chennai-born, Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as senior policy advisor for AI at the White House office of science and technology policy. Krishnan is known to be close to tech billionaire Elon Musk, who co-leads Trump’s department of government efficiency. It was widely expected that Krishnan would join Team Trump after he recently resigned as a general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).
Trump said in a statement that Krishnan will work closely with David Sacks [who has recently been named crypto and AI czar in his administration] and focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and co-ordinate AI policy across government, including working with the president’s council of advisors on science and technology.
“I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI. Thank you, Donald Trump, for this opportunity,” Krishnan posted on X after his appointment was announced.

Krishnan, a tech entrepreneur and VC, has led product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, and is well known and respected in the Indian American community. He hosts a popular podcast ‘The Aarthi and Sriram Show,’ along with his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy.
Silicon Valley based tech executive Rishi Kumar, who is author of the book Winning the AI Arms Race, feels that the appointment of Krishnan is an endorsement of Silicon Valley’s role in AI policy and a step in the right direction. “It is good to see Washington getting it right. I am delighted to see that Silicon Valley’s innovation-driven spirit is now formally integrated into the highest levels of AI policymaking with the appointment of Krishnan as senior policy advisor for AI. His background and expertise reflect the kind of leadership America needs to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution with smart, prudent policies,” Kumar, who is also executive board member of the California Democratic Party, told the Times of India.
“This decision underscores a vital recognition: AI is not just a technological frontier but also a strategic pillar for global competitiveness. Having voices from Silicon Valley—ground zero for technological breakthroughs—helps ensure that policies are both forward-thinking and rooted in real-world experience,” Kumar, who advocates the aligning of industry leadership with government decision-making, said. “This public-private partnership can fuel innovation, protect intellectual property, and ensure that America’s AI advancements are both ethical and transformative. The appointment of Krishnan is an encouraging step toward a future where government and industry work hand in hand to harness the potential of AI while safeguarding American interests,” Kumar added.
Sanjeev Joshipura, Washington DC based executive director of Indiaspora, a non-profit organisation of global Indian origin leaders said: “We heartily congratulate Krishnan and are delighted that he has been appointed by President-elect Trump as senior policy advisor in the White House office of science and technology policy. For several years, he has been an insightful thinker and influential commentator in the artificial intelligence realm. His previous work blending public policy, international affairs, investing and technology will stand him in good stead as he serves the nation in this important role.”
Silicon Valley based entrepreneur and VC Debarghya Das, who has participated in ‘The Aarthi and Sriram Show’ podcast, posted on X about Krishnan’s appointment: “Having you in Trump’s White House is a huge positive for high-skilled immigration and AI innovation in the US! You’re also a role model for how 1st generation immigrants in America can mould the future of the country”.