TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: On June 17, 2024, a review meeting of the India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) was held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
EXPLANATION:
- The meeting was co-chaired by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) and the United States’ National Security Advisor (APNSA).
- The primary focus of the meeting was to evaluate the progress made by both nations in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across several critical and emerging technology sectors.
Key Technology Sectors
- The discussions highlighted significant advancements in collaboration across various key technology sectors:
- Space
- Semiconductors
- Advanced Telecommunications
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Computing
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Biotechnology
- Critical Minerals
- Clean Energy
- The leaders acknowledged the substantial progress and recognized the untapped potential for deeper cooperation in these areas.
Objectives and Outcomes
- The primary objectives of the meeting were to facilitate mutual collaboration and address barriers in trade, technology, and industrial cooperation.
- Both sides discussed strategies to enhance collaboration across governments, industry, and academia in the specified focus areas.
- A Joint Factsheet was issued following the meeting, outlining the commitment of both nations to support enhanced collaboration.
- The factsheet serves as a roadmap for future cooperation, detailing specific focus areas for joint efforts.
- In addition to the government-to-government (G2G) meeting, an industry roundtable was convened on June 18, 2024, through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- This roundtable brought together industry leaders from both countries to discuss private sector investment and partnerships in strategic technology sectors.
Discussions and Insights
- During the industry roundtable, participants shared their experiences with bilateral collaboration, their visions for future partnerships, and identified specific areas where government facilitation could help overcome barriers.
- This dialogue was essential for understanding the practical challenges and opportunities faced by industries on both sides.
Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
- The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a framework agreed upon by India and the United States for cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.
- It was officially launched in January 2023 and aims to deepen the bilateral strategic relationship between the two countries.
- The first iCET meeting was held in Washington, D.C., USA, in January 2023.
- The iCET focuses on several key areas, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Agency Partnership: Collaboration on AI research and development.
- Defense Industrial Cooperation: Joint development and production of defense technologies.
- Innovation Ecosystems: Strengthening innovation ecosystems and promoting startups.
- Semiconductor Ecosystem Development: Development of a semiconductor ecosystem in India.
- Cooperation on Human Spaceflight: Collaboration on human spaceflight, including training for ISRO astronauts at NASA facilities.
- Advancement in 5G and 6G Technologies: Collaboration on the development and deployment of 5G and 6G technologies.
- Adoption of OpenRAN Network Technology: Adoption of OpenRAN network technology in India.
- Defense Innovation and Technology Cooperation: Collaboration on defense innovation and technology, including defense startups.
- Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chains: Strengthening semiconductor supply chains.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Talent: Collaboration on STEM talent development and research partnerships.
- The iCET aims to promote cooperation in these areas to enhance the strategic partnership between India and the United States.