US-India Agreements in Technology and Defense Progressing as Planned: Official:
The United States and India are steadily progressing in their efforts to enhance and expand their strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation. Top US officials have reported positive developments in these initiatives involving the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of both nations.
Within the framework of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a roadmap for increased collaboration in high-tech sectors has been introduced. Dr. Seth Center from the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology highlighted this collaboration.
Elizabeth Allen, the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, and Dr. Seth Center engaged with international journalists during the International Reporting Tour in Boston, Detroit, and Washington from September 6 to 16. They discussed recent US-India initiatives and their practical implications. Regarding the US-India initiative, Dr. Seth Center emphasized that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval launched a significant endeavor. Known as iCET, this initiative underscores the need for a strategic technology partnership that aligns with their broader strategic relationship.
It identifies key technology areas for deepening collaboration, with a focus on building robust supply chains, particularly in microelectronics. Dr. Center mentioned the goal of co-developing technologies in the sectors emphasized by iCET, aimed at reducing historical frictions and promoting business cooperation. Dr. Center explained that elevating this initiative to the level of National Security Advisors was necessary to overcome various frictions, whether commercial or bureaucratic and to elevate it almost to the Presidential level.
He noted that progress has been substantial since the initiative was launched in January 2023, with a detailed work plan in place. Elizabeth Allen highlighted the US’s approach to examining the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) from multiple angles. The goal is to formulate equitable and global solutions, ensuring that governments and individuals have choices in terms of technology usage and investments. Collaboration is a central theme, involving allies, partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, both public and private sectors.
The US is taking a leadership role in addressing AI’s challenges and opportunities, recognizing the need to prevent and regulate its potential harms. Despite acknowledging the risks, the US remains optimistic about the possibilities presented by emerging technology and AI.
Furthermore, the US is committed to inclusivity, bringing together a wide range of voices to discuss these issues. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will convene a high-level event at the upcoming UN General Assembly to facilitate this dialogue. A fundamental principle guiding the US approach to emerging technology and AI is the recognition that no single country can or should tackle these challenges in isolation. Collaboration involving government, civil society, advocacy groups, and tech companies is essential to navigate the future of emerging tech and AI.
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