Introduction
India and the U.S. have once again underscored their commitment to ensure that both countries stay at the leading edge of innovation and to enhance coordination with like-minded nations to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-competitive technology solutions for the Indian and American people and also their partners around the world. That’s the key takeaway from the joint fact sheet issued after the meeting of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi. On a two-day visit to India, Sullivan co-chaired the second meeting of the India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in New Delhi. In the meeting, both the NSAs set the vision for the next chapter of our strategic technology partnership. Jake Sullivan also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed various areas of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi, who happened to meet the U.S. President just days before, expressed satisfaction at the speed and scale of the growing bilateral partnership in all areas and convergence of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Historical Context
- India’s non-alignment policy and close ties with the Soviet Union led to a cautious relationship with the US during the Cold War.
- The end of the Cold War and India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s marked a new phase in India-US relations.
Strategic and Defense Partnership
- The 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement was a milestone, symbolizing mutual trust and cooperation.
- The US is a key defense partner, with significant military sales and joint exercises.
- India was designated a “Major Defense Partner” in 2016, highlighting the strategic depth of the relationship.
Economic and Trade Relations
- The US is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade over $142 billion in 2018.
- American companies have substantial investments in India, contributing to economic growth.
- Indian companies have made significant investments in the US, creating jobs and promoting innovation.
- Trade disputes over tariffs and market access occasionally strain this partnership, requiring dialogue and negotiation.
People-to-People Ties
- The Indian diaspora in the US, over 4 million strong, acts as a bridge between the two countries.
- Contributions in technology, medicine, and academia foster closer ties.
- Educational exchanges and cultural interactions strengthen people-to-people connections.
- Growing number of Indian students in American universities and the popularity of Indian culture in the US exemplify deepening societal linkages.
Geopolitical and Regional Cooperation
- India and the US share common interests in promoting regional stability and combating terrorism.
- The Indo-Pacific region is a focal point of strategic cooperation, advocating for a free, open, and inclusive region.
- The Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia) reflects their shared vision for regional security and cooperation.
Recent iCET Cooperation
- The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), announced in 2022, aims to enhance collaboration in critical technology sectors.
- Focus areas include artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, 5G, biotechnology, and space technology.
- iCET seeks to establish a robust technology ecosystem through joint research, innovation, and regulatory cooperation.
- The initiative is a strategic move to counter technological dominance from adversarial nations and secure supply chains for critical technologies.
- Specific goals of iCET include:
- Facilitating joint research and development projects.
- Promoting technology transfers and collaborative innovation.
- Establishing regulatory frameworks that support innovation and protect intellectual property.
- Enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect critical technology infrastructures.
- Building public-private partnerships to drive technological advancements.
- iCET reflects the recognition of technology as a cornerstone of national security and economic prosperity for both countries.
- Regular dialogues and high-level meetings are planned to ensure continuous progress and address emerging challenges in the tech landscape.
Challenges and Divergences
- Trade imbalances, differing views on climate change policies, and visa issues occasionally cause friction.
- India’s defense purchases from Russia and its stance on global issues sometimes diverge from US expectations.
- Continuous dialogue and understanding are essential to manage these differences.
Way Forward
- Adopt a multifaceted approach to consolidate and expand the partnership.
- Enhance economic ties by resolving trade disputes and fostering investment opportunities.
- Strengthen defense collaboration through joint research, technology transfers, and increased military exchanges.
- Promote educational and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and goodwill.
- Cooperate in emerging areas like cybersecurity, space exploration, and clean energy.
- Address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics together.
- Leverage multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the G20 to further shared goals and values.
- Expand and institutionalize the iCET initiative with specific focus areas for long-term cooperation.
- Drive progress in critical technology sectors through regular dialogues, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships.
Conclusion
India-US relations have evolved from ambivalence to strategic partnership. The recent iCET cooperation underscores the importance of technological collaboration. Despite challenges, the resilience and depth of this partnership promise greater cooperation and mutual benefit. This relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of regional and global stability, driven by shared democratic values and common strategic interests
