India-US iCET Dialogue: Ajit Doval, Sullivan Focus On Advanced Technology Innovations

United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to New Delhi, was hosted by India's NSA Ajit Doval today.

The visit is being accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials and industry leaders.

India-US iCET Dialogue- Here's What Was On The Agenda

The two NSAs regularly engage in consultations on bilateral, regional, and global issues. This visit is continuing the high-level engagement regarding the comprehensive and multi-faceted agenda of the India-US global strategic partnership. Following the initiation of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden during the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022, the NSAs have spearheaded a concerted effort to collaborate in diverse domains of new and emerging technologies.

These domains include semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, defence innovation, space exploration, and advanced telecommunications. Subsequent meetings between the two sides have expanded the iCET framework to encompass additional areas, including biotechnology, critical minerals and rare earth processing technologies, digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials.

The ongoing visit provides the NSAs with an opportunity to review the progress made and establish new priorities and deliverables for the iCET initiative. Throughout the day, bilateral issues are being discussed by the NSAs, who are also reviewing the India-US partnership on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Additionally, they will chair the first annual review of iCET with an inter-departmental delegation from both nations. On June 18, the NSAs are expected to address participants at an India-US iCET Roundtable with Industry CEOs, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Earlier today, NSA Sullivan met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. A meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also anticipated. This visit marks the resumption of India-US bilateral engagement following Narendra Modi's re-election as Prime Minister of India for a third term.

This visit follows shortly after Prime Minister Modi's meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. While Western and Chinese media outlets have been attempting to undermine the India-US bilateral relationship by focusing on the alleged assassination attempt on US-based, proscribed Khalistani terrorist G.S. Pannun, the interaction between PM Modi and President Biden at the G7 Summit has reaffirmed the strength of their relationship.

According to G7 interlocutors, both PM Modi and President Biden have expressed a clear interest in advancing their bilateral relationship, particularly in light of the expansionist threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.