India and the US are boosting their military technology ties. They are re-evaluating laws to make it easier to share military tech with India.
Recently, they announced expanded cooperation in areas like space, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. A joint statement highlighted these efforts to work together in these innovative sectors.
This collaboration follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., on February 13.
During this meeting, they launched a new initiative called the “US-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) aimed at making military and tech partnerships stronger.
Both nations are aiming for tangible outcomes this year. India, recognized under the US Strategic Trade Authorization-1, will see reviews of arms transfer regulations. This includes changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to ease defense trade and technology sharing.
They are also set to start negotiations for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement agreement this year. This agreement will help align their defense buying systems and facilitate the mutual supply of defense goods.
The leaders committed to speeding up defense tech cooperation in areas like missile defense and maritime technology. The US is also reconsidering its policies on supplying advanced fifth-generation fighter jets to India, such as the F-35, which is currently featured at the Aero India event in Bangalore.
They plan to establish a new ten-year framework for major defense partnerships, enhancing their collaboration into the 21st century.
Additionally, the US aims to increase defense sales to India, including co-producing anti-tank missiles and combat vehicles to meet Indian needs.
India is also exploring the purchase of six more P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.
A new project, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), will focus on strengthening collaboration and production throughout the Indo-Pacific. The two militaries will enhance logistics and intelligence sharing, improving their ability to respond to humanitarian needs.
In addition, they unveiled the US-India TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology). This aims to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector in key tech fields like AI, biotechnology, and energy.
The ‘TRUST’ initiative seeks to ensure reliable supply chains for critical materials, including semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. It will encourage investment in both countries to boost Indian manufacturing capabilities.
India and the US will also work together to enhance research and development and support investment in critical mineral supply chains through the Mineral Security Partnership.
A new program, “strategic mineral recovery,” aims to process critical minerals like lithium and cobalt from heavy industries.
Check out this related article: Transforming Daily Life: The Intersection of Art, Technology, and Accessibility – Insights from e-flux Agenda
Source link