Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden recently announced a major advancement in the India-US partnership, focusing on key areas such as telecom networks, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, high-performance computing, and space.
One of the significant achievements in the telecom sector is the collaboration between the two countries to develop trusted and secure 5G and 6G networks. Both leaders emphasized the importance of moving away from traditional proprietary systems and instead developing joint Open RAN solutions. This shift is intended to distance themselves from Chinese vendors like Huawei and ZTE, who are regarded as cyber unsafe and untrustworthy. The aim is to develop secure systems that promote global digital inclusion and resilient supply chains.
To facilitate this collaboration, two Joint Task Forces focused on advanced telecommunications, particularly Open RAN and research in 5G/6G technologies, were launched. The Bharat 6G Alliance and the US Next G Alliance will lead the public-private cooperation between vendors and operators. This partnership will include field trials and rollouts, with the support of the US International Development Finance Corporation.
AI is another area where both countries see immense potential and risks. They committed to joint collaboration on trustworthy and responsible AI, including generative AI. The goal is to advance AI education and workforce initiatives, promote commercial opportunities, and mitigate against discrimination and bias.
Recognizing the crucial role of technology in deepening the partnership between India and the US, the leaders hailed the inauguration of the Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) initiative in January 2023. They called on governments, businesses, and academic institutions to work towards realizing their shared vision for a strategic technology partnership. This partnership aims to promote policies and regulations that facilitate greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between industries, governments, and academic institutions.
In the field of space cooperation, the leaders expressed their enthusiasm for collaboration on earth and space science and technologies. They welcomed the decision of NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023. They also applauded NASA&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPTk4MUhEY25KWUx3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrWms1TFJsTlBTUzhyWkd4MU5HcDRTbFpzVGt3d1p6MDk-8217;s announcement to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.
Semiconductors also featured prominently in the discussions. The leaders applauded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership. This agreement will promote commercial opportunities, research, talent, and skill development in the semiconductor industry. The announcement by Micron Technology to invest in a semiconductor assembly and test facility in India was also welcomed.
Overall, the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden marked a significant step towards broadening the India-US partnership in crucial areas of technology and innovation. The collaborative efforts in developing secure telecom networks, advancing AI technologies, promoting responsible AI usage, facilitating technology sharing, and expanding space cooperation demonstrate the commitment of both countries to deepening their strategic relationship in the digital age.
