India, U.S. To Hike Technology Cooperation
Context:
Under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) announced earlier this year, India and the U.S. are debating the possibility of producing jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles together. According to officials, some high-technology initiatives are anticipated to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. next month.
Points to Ponder:
- Critical and Emerging Technologies Initiative (iCET): The iCET, which was announced earlier this year, is the subject of discussions between India and the United States. The iCET seeks to foster collaboration and joint ventures between the two nations’ defence innovation ecosystems.
- The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: High-tech initiatives are anticipated to be unveiled during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S., signalling a strengthening of ties between India and the U.S.
- Launch of INDUS-X: In Washington, the launch of INDUS-X under the iCET has been planned for the visit. The 17th meeting of the India-US Defence Policy Group (DPG): INDUS-X is designed to foster collaborations between the defence innovation ecosystems of India and the U.S. The DPG, which was presided over by Indian Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Colin Kahl and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, examined several facets of defence cooperation between the two nations.
- Enhancing defence industry collaboration between India and the U.S. was a major topic of conversation. This includes collaborations in technology, ongoing research and development, and enhancing supply chain security.
- Collaboration on jet engines: Collaboration on jet engines was one of the main topics of debate. The plan is to work together to create a jet engine for India’s upcoming indigenous aircraft. For this project, General Electric is up against Safran of France and Rolls-Royce of the UK.
- Importance of the jet engine agreement: If the United States agrees to provide jet engine technology to India, India’s capabilities in the aircraft industry would increase, making India the fifth nation equipped to produce jet engines for aeroplanes. This agreement highlights the strengthening ties between India and the United States and sends a strong message to China.
- Issues with prior co-development efforts: The U.S. domestic law posed challenges to earlier attempts by India and the U.S. to jointly develop a jet engine. The present conversations, meanwhile, show increased efforts to get beyond these obstacles and improve defence collaboration.
