The United States and India are advancing their cooperation in critical civilian and defense technologies, including space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. This progress was highlighted in a joint statement following a meeting between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi.

This meeting marks the first high-level visit from a top US official to India since the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month. Sullivan and Doval co-chaired a session of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), underscoring their commitment to deepening collaboration in strategic areas.

Key discussion points included cooperation in space technologies, advanced telecommunications, and biotechnology. Additionally, India’s planned acquisition of MQ-9B military drones and the potential co-production of land warfare systems were significant topics of the meeting.

Launched in 2023, the iCET aims to foster collaboration between the two nations on sensitive technologies with both civilian and defense applications. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and position India as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.

During his two-day visit, Sullivan also met with Prime Minister Modi, briefing him on various cooperation areas, and reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing ties with the US for the global good. Modi emphasized this sentiment in a post on X, reiterating India’s dedication to strengthening US-India cooperation. Sullivan also held discussions with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, further solidifying the partnership.

Source: Gulf News