 |
|
The recent meeting between India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi signifies a key moment in the burgeoning India-US strategic partnership. The focus of their discussions revolved around the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), a framework launched in 2022 to foster collaboration in cutting-edge domains.
The iCET initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden, aims to leverage the combined strengths of India and the US in diverse technological fields. These include semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, defense innovation, space exploration, and advanced telecommunications.
Sullivan's visit to New Delhi, accompanied by a delegation of US government officials and industry leaders, represents a concerted effort to further the iCET agenda. The two NSAs discussed the progress made since the initiative's inception, identifying new areas of collaboration and setting priorities for future endeavors.
The expanded scope of iCET now encompasses biotechnology, critical minerals and rare earths processing technologies, digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials. This expansion underscores the growing importance of technological cooperation between India and the US in navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
The meeting between the NSAs also served as an opportunity to review the bilateral relationship, with discussions encompassing regional and global issues of mutual interest. Notably, the two NSAs chaired the first annual review of iCET, bringing together inter-departmental delegations from both countries.
The visit further highlights the continued strength of the India-US strategic partnership, which has gained momentum in recent years. This is particularly evident amidst the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sullivan's visit, coming shortly after PM Modi's meeting with President Biden at the G7 Summit, reaffirms the commitment of both countries to strengthen their ties. This commitment extends beyond mere diplomatic relations, encompassing deep cooperation on various fronts, including technology, trade, defense, and security.
While some have attempted to downplay the India-US relationship, the G7 interaction between PM Modi and President Biden has clearly demonstrated the unwavering strength of their partnership. This partnership is driven by a shared understanding of the need for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, with both leaders recognizing the potential of an expansionist China to disrupt regional security.
The meeting between the NSAs and the ongoing iCET initiative signify a vital step in the evolution of the India-US strategic partnership. This partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of global stability and prosperity, with both countries committed to collaborating on critical issues like technological advancement, economic growth, and regional security.
The discussions surrounding iCET and the broader bilateral agenda reflect a shared commitment between India and the US to shape a future that is secure, stable, and technologically advanced. With the iCET initiative serving as a key driver of this partnership, the coming years are likely to witness even greater collaboration and progress between these two influential nations.
Source: NSAs Ajit Doval, Jake Sullivan talk advanced materials and tech in iCET dialogue