Source: IndianExpress

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Context: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and agreed to strengthen cooperation in a range of areas — Defence technology, Space, Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, critical minerals among others.

Details

• India and the United States are forging ahead with their strategic partnership in critical and emerging technologies, as evidenced by the second meeting of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
• This significant meeting, chaired by Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and US National Security Advisor (APNSA) Jake Sullivan, took place in New Delhi.
• Inception of iCET: Since the inception of iCET in January 2023, India and the United States have made notable progress in various key technology sectors.

Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies is a framework agreed upon by India and the U.S. for cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.

These emerging technologies include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors and wireless telecommunication.

Prime Minister Modi and President Biden first announced the framework on the side lines of the Quad meeting in Tokyo in May 2022.

It was launched in 2023 to strengthen their strategic partnership and drive technology and defence cooperation.

Areas of Collaboration:

• Space
• Semiconductors
• Advanced Telecommunications
• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum
• Biotechnology
• Clean Energy

Several key areas of focus were identified during the meeting:

Bridging Innovation Ecosystems

• The two nations are unlocking over US$90 million in government funding over the next five years for the India-US Global Challenges Institute.
• This institute will foster high-impact university and research partnerships in areas such as semiconductor technology, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, health equity, and pandemic preparedness.
• The National Science Foundation and the Indian Department of Science and Technology announced nearly US$5 million in joint funding for research projects in next-generation telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, and machine learning. Additionally, the “Innovation Handshake” initiative aims to address regulatory barriers for startups entering the US and Indian markets.

Advancing Space Technology Cooperation

• A landmark achievement is the collaboration between NASA and ISRO astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station.
• The Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation aims to enhance interoperability in space, with advanced training for ISRO astronauts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
• The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, which will map the Earth’s surface, is another notable project.
• Additionally, the US Space Force is partnering with Indian startups like 114ai and 3rdiTech to advance space situational awareness and other technologies.

Deepening Defense Innovation

• Discussions on India’s acquisition of MQ-9B platforms, co-production of land warfare systems. These high-altitude, long-endurance drones will significantly bolster India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enhancing its ability to monitor vast maritime and land borders effectively.
• Both countries are exploring the co-production of advanced land warfare systems. This includes potential joint projects to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art armored vehicles and artillery systems.
• Such collaboration not only boosts India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also ensures interoperability between Indian and American military forces, enhancing their ability to operate seamlessly in joint missions.
• The INDUS-X Summit highlighted several initiatives, including the launch of the INDUS-X Investor Summit in Silicon Valley and the awarding of $1.2 million in seed funding to U.S. and Indian companies.

Expanding Telecommunications Opportunities

• The finalization of the India-US Open RAN Acceleration Roadmap and ongoing 5G and 6G R&D collaboration were significant milestones.
• Partnerships are being built to deploy high-quality, cost-effective Open RAN technology, with notable contributions from Qualcomm and Mavenir.

Strengthening Biotechnology and Bio-manufacturing

• The launch of the Track 1.5 Biopharmaceutical Supply Chain Consortium aims to enhance resilience in supply chains and foster high-impact R&D collaboration.
• Joint funding opportunities between the National Science Foundation and the Department of Biotechnology will support collaborative research in biotechnology innovation.

Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains

• A new strategic semiconductor partnership between General Atomics and 3rdiTech will focus on co-developing semiconductor design and manufacturing.
• The Semiconductor Readiness Assessment identified near-term industry opportunities and strategic development of semiconductor ecosystems.

Promoting Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Partnership

• India’s role in the Mineral Security Partnership is vital, with co-investments in lithium and rare earths projects.
• An Advanced Materials R&D Forum will expand collaboration between American and Indian researchers.
• Efforts to quickly conclude a bilateral Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding are underway, focusing on technologies for critical minerals.

Enhancing Quantum, AI, and High-Performance Computing Collaboration

• New cooperation in quantum science and technology includes launching a workshop on post-quantum cryptography and facilitating visits of Indian technical experts to US quantum institutions.
• The India-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund will announce winners of the “Quantum Technologies and AI for Transforming Lives” competition, fostering joint R&D.

Conclusion

The collaborative spirit between India and the US is evident in these initiatives, marking a new era in their strategic partnership in critical and emerging technologies. This partnership is poised to drive innovation, enhance security, and promote economic growth for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Sources:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. National Security Council is heads by: A. President B. Prime Minister C. Defense Minister D. National Security Advisor Answer B