Both sides stress the importance of maintaining technological edge and enhancing coordination with like-minded nations
In a significant move to strengthen their strategic partnership, India and the United States held the second meeting of the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in New Delhi on Monday (June 17, 2024). Co-chaired by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the meeting underscored the progress made in various high-technology sectors and outlined future cooperation plans.
 
The US NSA also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “Met US National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46. India is committed to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for global good," Prime Minister Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter, after NSA Sullivan called on him.
 
Since the launch of iCET in January 2023, the United States and India have made significant strides toward deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors including space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy, said a joint fact sheet issued after the meeting.
 
During Monday's meeting, Sullivan and Doval set the vision for the next phase of the US-India technology partnership, focusing on co-production, co-development, and research and development (R&D) opportunities. They stressed the importance of maintaining technological edge and enhancing coordination with like-minded nations to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-competitive technology solutions globally.
 
One of the key points highlighted in the joint fact sheet was the progress on India's acquisition of the MQ-9B platforms. The deal, valued at approximately USD 4 billion, involves the procurement of 31 state-of-the-art MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones. This acquisition is set to significantly bolster India's defence capabilities, particularly in maritime security, and marks a substantial increase from the current lease agreement.
 
The MQ-9Bs, which will be assembled in India, will enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India's armed forces across various domains. This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen defence ties between the United States and India, including co-production initiatives outlined in the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation.
 
Defence and Space Technology Cooperation
 
The joint fact sheet also detailed deepening cooperation in defence and space technology. Notable achievements include the conclusion of a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation, which will see advanced training for ISRO astronauts at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Additionally, preparations are underway for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, a joint satellite project aimed at mapping the Earth's surface to address global challenges such as climate change.
 
In the realm of defence space technology, the U.S. Space Force has partnered with Indian startups 114ai and 3rdiTech to advance space situational awareness and data fusion technologies. India's participation in the U.S. Space Command's Global Sentinel Exercise and the establishment of a new AI Multi-Domain Situational Awareness product developed by General Atomics and 114ai further underscore the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
 
Advances in Telecommunications and Semiconductors
 
The iCET talks also highlighted progress in telecommunications and semiconductor technology. The recent finalization of the U.S.-India Open RAN Acceleration Roadmap and ongoing collaborations on 5G and 6G technologies aim to deploy high-quality, cost-effective Open RAN technology at scale. Additionally, a strategic semiconductor partnership between General Atomics and 3rdiTech will focus on co-developing semiconductor design and manufacturing for precision-guided ammunition and other national security electronics platforms.
 
Quantum and AI Collaboration
 
Expanding cooperation in quantum science and artificial intelligence (AI) is another critical area of focus. The joint fact sheet announced new initiatives, including a workshop on post-quantum cryptography and visits by Indian technical experts to U.S. national laboratories. Longstanding cooperation facilitated by the U.S.-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund continues to foster joint R&D to generate public good through technology commercialization.
 
Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Partnership
 
The U.S. and India are also committed to building a clean energy and critical minerals partnership. This includes co-investing in lithium resource projects and establishing a U.S.-India Advanced Materials R&D Forum to expand collaboration between universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers. Efforts are underway to conclude a bilateral Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding and explore collaboration opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
 
In addition to the iCET meeting, Sullivan and Doval convened an industry roundtable with CEOs and thought leaders from both countries. This roundtable aimed to mobilize private sector investment and partnerships across strategic technology sectors. Both national security advisors emphasized the importance of adapting technology protection toolkits to prevent the leakage of sensitive and dual-use technologies to countries of concern.
 
The joint fact sheet concluded with a commitment to take concrete actions in the coming months to address barriers to bilateral strategic trade, technology, and industrial cooperation. The continued efforts under the Strategic Trade Dialogue and other bilateral initiatives are expected to further enhance the U.S.-India technology partnership, driving innovation and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for both nations.