India and US to Review iCET in 2023, Strengthening Strategic Technology Partnership

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VoM News Desk | September 8, 2023 | 06:53 PM IST | Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

India and US to Review iCET in 2023, Strengthening Strategic Technology Partnership. Image/iStock

India and US to Review iCET for Continued Collaboration

Technology’s Role in Strategic Partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have underscored the pivotal role of technology in deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Both leaders praised the ongoing efforts through the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to create open, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems and value chains. These initiatives aim to strengthen mutual confidence and trust while reinforcing shared democratic values and institutions.

The iCET Initiative

The India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) was announced in May 2022 to elevate and expand strategic technology and defense industrial cooperation between the two countries. It encompasses collaboration between governments, businesses, and academic institutions with the goal of positioning India and the US as trusted technology partners. iCET seeks to build technology value chains, support co-development and co-production, and address regulatory restrictions, export controls, and mobility barriers.

Semiconductor Supply Chains

Both leaders emphasized support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains. They noted significant investments by US companies like Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Devices in expanding their research and development presence in India. Additionally, they expressed satisfaction with the ongoing implementation of commitments made by US companies, Micron, LAM Research, and Applied Materials.

Telecommunications and 5G/6G Collaboration

Prime Minister Modi and President Biden highlighted their shared vision for secure and trusted telecommunications, resilient supply chains, and global digital inclusion. They welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the Next G Alliance, which signifies deepening public-private cooperation in the telecommunications sector.

The leaders acknowledged the establishment of two Joint Task Forces focused on collaborating in Open RAN and research and development in 5G/6G technologies. They also announced a 5G Open RAN pilot in a leading Indian telecom operator, underscoring their commitment to advanced telecommunications technologies.

Quantum Domain and Research Collaboration

The US reiterated its commitment to work with India in the quantum domain, bilaterally and through the Quantum Entanglement Exchange, a platform to facilitate international quantum exchange opportunities. India’s participation in the Quantum Economic Development Consortium was welcomed.

Both leaders hailed the signing of an Implementation Arrangement between the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and India’s Department of Biotechnology to promote scientific and technological research collaborations in biotechnology and bio manufacturing innovations. They encouraged academic and industrial collaboration in various areas, including semiconductor research, next-generation communication systems, cybersecurity, sustainability, green technologies, and intelligent transportation systems.

Facilitating Greater Technology Sharing

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building resilient technology value chains and strengthening defense industrial ecosystems. They committed to promoting policies and adapting regulations that facilitate greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between Indian and US industry, government, and academic institutions.

Furthermore, both countries will continue their engagement through an inter-agency monitoring mechanism under the bilateral Strategic Trade Dialogue, launched in June 2023.

India-US Global Challenges Institute

The leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between Indian universities, represented by the Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Council), and the Association of American Universities (AAU) to establish the India-US Global Challenges Institute. This initiative will involve a combined initial commitment of at least USD 10 million and bring together leading research and higher-education institutions from both nations to advance new frontiers in science and technology. Areas of collaboration include sustainable energy and agriculture, health and pandemic preparedness, semiconductor technology and manufacturing, advanced materials, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and quantum science.

VoM News Desk

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