India and United States have strengthened their strategic partnership in critical and emerging technologies during the second meeting of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
According to a joint statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs, the two countries are committed to ensuring that technology is developed and utilised in a way that aligns with democratic values and respects universal human rights. The partnership is seen as crucial for the future security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
During the iCET meeting, both countries outlined their vision for the next phase of their strategic technology partnership. They emphasised the importance of co-production, co-development, and research and development (R&D) to remain at the forefront of innovation. They also highlighted the need for collaboration with like-minded nations to provide secure, reliable, and cost-effective technology solutions globally. They further stressed the importance of protecting sensitive and dual-use technologies from potential adversaries. They resolved to address longstanding barriers to bilateral strategic trade and technology cooperation, particularly in the commercial and civil space sectors.
Further, an industry roundtable during the iCET meeting was held to mobilise private sector investment and partnerships across strategic technology sectors, further solidifying the collaborative spirit between India and US.
Furthermore, since the inception of iCET in January 2023, India and US have made notable progress in various key technology sectors. These include space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, and clean energy.