India and US Undertake Comprehensive Review of iCET for Enhanced Collaboration


India and US Undertake Comprehensive Review of iCET for Enhanced Collaboration
Jonathan Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser of the United States, Unveils a Significant Chapter in Evolving India-US Solidarity During New Delhi Visit. Diplomatic Engagement Follows Jake Sullivan's June 2023 Visit to India and India's NSA Ajit Doval's Reciprocal Trip to the US in January 2023.
At the core of this engagement was a thorough mid-term assessment of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), a collaborative effort initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in May 2022. Aimed at promoting result-driven cooperation in advanced technologies, this initiative was scrutinized for its progress by Deputy NSAs Finer and Misri, who expressed contentment with the ongoing collaborations spanning various domains.
Semiconductors, quantum technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), defense innovation, space, and advanced telecommunications took the spotlight during their discussions. The deputy NSAs acknowledged the substantial strides achieved through interactions involving governments, industry, academia, and various stakeholders.
Their commitment resonated in expanding the iCET framework to encompass biotechnology, critical minerals, rare earth processing technologies, digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials. The diplomatic visit also witnessed strategic meetings, as Finer engaged with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The discussions underscored the mutual dedication to elevating the bilateral strategic partnership. A key focus emerged on easing regulations to facilitate high-tech collaborations and technology transfer.
Beyond bilateral discussions, the visit holds broader importance, with Finer's involvement in the Global Technology Summit adding an additional dimension to this diplomatic interchange. Emphasizing a mutual commitment to technological progress, it serves to narrow the gap between India and the United States. The groundwork is laid for intensified collaborations, tapping into the vast potential stemming from the convergence of domestic initiatives and bolstering industry competitiveness in both nations.