US-India must remain at the forefront of technology: Indian and US National Security Advisers at iCET Industry meeting

“US and India have got to remain at the forefront of technology in case we need to protect and defend our value systems and it is part of a larger strategic interest,” said Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, Government of India. Shri Doval was addressing the iCET Industry Roundtable organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.

Shri Doval highlighted the role of industry in technology and the progress of iCET since its inception. He stated, “ICET has achieved more than we could imagine.” Shri Doval highlighted the progress made across the defence innovation roadmap and startups, and emphasized the importance of the semiconductor industry.

Hon’ble Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, United States of America noted three important buckets for technology partnerships, the first being innovation, the second as production, and the third  being deployment.

Mr. Sullivan highlighted the importance of innovation and emphasized the need for government support for the private sector. He remarked that there exists bipartisan support for Indian industry in the US. He further added that building the ecosystem and supply chain manufacturing is the key to production. Mr Sullivan said that the core of iCET is about the idea of India and US being able to support each other and to encourage greater collaboration in the technology ecosystem, jointly innovate and find solutions to challenges.

The Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), launched in January 2023, represents a landmark agreement between the two countries on emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, biotech, and defense innovation. iCET is a significant development in the India-US relationship, as it elevates the two countries' strategic partnership to new heights. CII hosted Mr Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor and Mr Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor for an industry roundtable with strong participation from Indian and US industry.

Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII stated that under iCET India and US are working on sectors such as AI, biotech, critical materials and minerals, semi-conductors and other sectors to help enable deeper engagement between the two nations.

Representatives from industries, all of whom were leaders in their respective spheres, spoke about their experiences of collaboration with each other and the ways and means by which they planned to take India-US collaboration further through government facilitation by streamlining processes and regulations wherever required.

Mr. Banerjee added that CII will be mounting a series of industry delegations to the US starting this month and requested for reciprocal delegations from the US to India.

Both NSAs assured the industry that they welcome industry communications highlighting specific issues and due diligence will be done to resolve any barriers which hold back deeper and closer India US ties.

18 June 2024

New Delhi