USA-India iCET

08.06.2024

USA-India iCET

Why in the news?

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit India this month to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government.

About United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

• The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a framework for cooperation between India and the United States on critical and emerging technologies; it was launched in January 2023.

Key Features iCET

• Focus areas: It aims to strengthen its strategic partnership and drive technology and defense cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication.
• The partnership aims to position India and the United States as "trusted technology partners" to build supply chains and support the co-production and co-development of items.
• Private sector and academic involvement: The iCET requires the private sector, knowledge partners, and academia in both countries to give functional meaning to the outcomes and provide the necessary strategic and operational assurances to the private sector.

Progress of iCET :

• Quantum Coordination Mechanism: India and the United States of America have established a Quantum Coordination Mechanism to drive collaboration in quantum computing.
• Defence Industrial Cooperation: The two countries have concluded a roadmap for defense industrial cooperation and are close to finalizing a mega jet engine deal.
• Semiconductor Supply Chain: A MoU has been signed to establish a semiconductor supply chain, paving the way for creating a semiconductor sub-committee.

                                                               Source: The Economic Times

Ques :- The United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) aims to strengthen strategic partnerships in:

1. military training programs
2. healthcare research
3. joint space exploration missions
4. artificial intelligence and quantum computing

Answer D