June 19, 2024
Both nations pledge to prevent the leakage of sensitive technologies to countries of concern, enhancing the security of their technological advancements
Discussions included the removal of regulatory barriers and the development of a new defence industrial roadmap for joint development and production
Talks also covered progress in AI, semiconductors, defence, and space, focusing on deepening cooperation for joint adoption of cutting-edge commercial technologies for military solutions
The meeting stressed the importance of technology designed, developed, and deployed consistent with democratic values and universal human rights, aiming to enhance the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region
US NSA Jake Sullivan and Indian counterpart Ajit Doval have pledged to take concrete actions to address long-standing barriers to strategic trade, technology, and industrial cooperation. They emphasised the importance of preventing the leakage of sensitive technologies to countries of concern. This commitment marks the first high-level engagement between the US and India since the return of the NDA government.
Sullivan’s visit to India included a comprehensive review of cooperation under the initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET). This initiative aims to propel the bilateral relationship to the next level by removing regulatory barriers and developing a new defence industrial roadmap for joint development and production. Sullivan also met with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening the India-US partnership for global good.
The discussions have brought to light significant progress in AI, semiconductors, defence, and space. This focus on deepening cooperation to accelerate the joint adoption of cutting-edge commercial technologies for military solutions is a testament to the promising future of our partnership.
Doval and Sullivan have underscored the crucial need for continued efforts under the Strategic Trade Dialogue to address outstanding barriers to technology collaboration.
The joint factsheet issued after the meeting underscored the importance of adapting technology protection toolkits and preventing the leakage of sensitive and dual-use technologies. While the countries of concern were not explicitly identified, the US has been working to block the flow of technology to Russia, with which India maintains strong defence ties. The factsheet also highlighted the need for enhancing coordination with like-minded nations to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-competitive technology solutions for both countries and their global partners.
Source: Times of India