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Context: The India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the collaborative efforts between India and the United States in high-technology areas.

Details

• iCET is a framework for cooperation between India and the United States in critical and emerging technologies.
• It covers areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication.
• Launched in January to strengthen the strategic partnership and drive technology and defense cooperation.

Focus Areas of the Initiative:

• Establishing India and the US as trusted technology partners.
• Building supply chains and supporting co-production and co-development.
• Exploring collaboration in various sectors:

(a)Research agency partnership for AI collaboration.

(b)New defense industrial cooperation roadmap.

(c)Development of common AI standards.

(d)Accelerating defense technological cooperation and supporting defense startups.

(e)Supporting the development of a semiconductor ecosystem.

(f)Strengthening cooperation on human spaceflight.

(g)Advancing cooperation on 5G and 6G development.

(h) Adoption of OpenRAN network technology in India.

Progress and Achievements:

• Establishment of the Quantum Coordination Mechanism.
• Public-private dialogue (PDD) on telecommunication and collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G, and 6G.
• Important exchanges on AI and space.
• MoU signed for establishing a semiconductor supply chain.
• Conclusion of a mega jet engine deal expected during Prime Minister Modi's visit.
• Launch of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) and roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation.
• Establishment of a Strategic Trade Dialogue to remove regulatory barriers and review export control norms.

Shared Values and Vision:

• Both countries affirm that technology should be shaped by shared democratic values and respect for universal human rights.
• Commitment to fostering an open, accessible, and secure technology ecosystem based on mutual trust and confidence.

Future Outlook:

• Optimism expressed by National Security Advisers regarding the initiative's potential for specific and tangible results in the near future.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q)Discuss the significance of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in strengthening bilateral relations and driving technological cooperation between India and the United States. (250 words)

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