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.