Why is it in the news?

• National Security Advisors of India and U.S. deliberated on iCET, defence relationships, and regional security issues, emphasizing emerging technologies and collaborations.
• They led the second meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

About iCET

• Initiated by India and the USA during the Quad Summit in Tokyo in 2022, officially introduced by the NSAs in 2023.
• Encompasses crucial technology domains like space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy.
• Expanded to include new focus areas: biotechnology, critical minerals and rare earths processing technologies, digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials.

Key takeaways

• Establishment of a research agency partnership to foster cooperation in AI.
• Crafting a new defense industrial collaboration roadmap to hasten joint technological advancements.
• Formulating shared standards in AI.
• Mapping out a strategy to expedite defense technological cooperation and an ‘innovation bridge’ to engage defense startups.
• Promoting the development of a semiconductor ecosystem.
• Enhancing collaboration on human spaceflight.
• Stepping up joint efforts in 5G and 6G development.
• Adoption of OpenRAN network technology in India.

Achievements So Far

• Both nations have implemented the Quantum Coordination Mechanism, introduced a public-private dialogue on telecommunications to foster collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G, and 6G.
• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding on establishing a semiconductor supply chain, paving the way for the semiconductor sub-committee’s formation.
• Unveiled the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to boost high-tech cooperation.
• Concluded a roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation to steer policy decisions in the coming years.
• Established a Strategic Trade Dialogue to overcome regulatory barriers and revise export control norms for strategic technology and trade partnerships under iCET.

Significance

• Enhancing bilateral ties: iCET contributes a new strategic dimension to the deepening India-U.S. relations.
• Countering China’s rise: The growing alignment of Indian and U.S. interests in addressing security, economic, and technological issues posed by a rising China adds urgency to iCET.
• Reducing reliance on Russia: India aims to diversify its defense procurement and engage in more domestic production partnerships with Western nations.