US and India, two pivotal nations in the realm of advanced technologies, must fortify their positions at the forefront to safeguard their respective value systems amidst the era of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and biotechnology. This assertion was underscored by India's National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, during his address at the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) roundtable organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.
The iCET initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in May 2022, has garnered significant progress in enhancing strategic collaboration between the two countries, particularly in sectors crucial for technological advancement and defense innovation. NSA Ajit Doval commended the strides made under iCET, emphasizing its contributions across defense innovation roadmaps and startup ecosystems, with a particular nod to the burgeoning semiconductor industry.
Echoing these sentiments, US NSA Jake Sullivan highlighted the imperative for robust technology partnerships across innovation, production, and deployment domains, stressing the pivotal role of government support in bolstering private sector initiatives. He affirmed bipartisan US backing for Indian industries, underscoring the necessity of building resilient supply chains and fostering an ecosystem conducive to manufacturing.
Both NSAs reiterated the foundational importance of iCET in deepening the strategic partnership between India and the US. Sullivan articulated that the core essence of iCET lies in mutual support and collaboration, aiming to jointly innovate and address global challenges through technological prowess.
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, underscored the collaborative efforts under iCET, highlighting sectors such as AI, biotechnology, critical minerals, and semiconductors as pivotal areas of engagement between the two nations. He announced CII's plans for industry delegations to the US, commencing this month, to further strengthen bilateral ties and promote technological cooperation.
The event also emphasized the importance of industry engagement in bridging specific challenges and fostering closer India-US relations. Both NSAs assured proactive resolution of any barriers hindering deeper collaboration, underscoring their openness to industry feedback and commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for mutual growth.
Jake Sullivan's visit to India, following his participation in the Peace Summit on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland, marks a significant diplomatic engagement underlining the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening ties with India, especially in the technological and strategic domains.
The iCET initiative stands as a testament to the shared vision of India and the US in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address global challenges while reinforcing bilateral cooperation across critical sectors. As both nations navigate the complexities of the digital age, their partnership in emerging technologies is set to define the future landscape of global innovation and security.