Introduction
The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) is a strategic technology cooperation framework between India and the United States. It seeks to deepen collaboration among the two governments, businesses and academic institutions in areas that are critical for economic growth, national security and technological leadership.
The initiative aims to build trusted technology partnerships and resilient supply chains while reducing dependence on vulnerable or strategically sensitive sources.
Background and Institutional Framework
- iCET was announced in May 2022 by the leaders of India and the United States.
- It was formally launched in January 2023.
- It was originally co-led by:
- India’s National Security Council Secretariat
- The United States National Security Council
- It forms an important pillar of the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
In February 2025, India and the United States announced the U.S.–India TRUST initiative — Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology—to further expand cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, building upon the progress achieved under iCET.
Major Areas of Cooperation
1. Semiconductor Ecosystem
- Developing resilient semiconductor supply chains.
- Promoting semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging.
- Encouraging investment in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
- Cooperation in advanced materials and manufacturing equipment.
2. Artificial Intelligence
- Joint research and innovation in artificial intelligence.
- Development of safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems.
- Cooperation in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure.
- Promotion of responsible and democratic technology standards.
3. Quantum Technologies
- Collaboration in quantum computing, communication and sensing.
- Institutional partnerships between universities and research laboratories.
- Development of skilled human resources in quantum science.
4. Defence Technology
- Co-development and co-production of defence platforms.
- Cooperation in jet engines, autonomous systems and maritime technologies.
- Greater participation of startups and private defence industries.
- Coordination with the India–U.S. Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap.
5. Space Cooperation
- Cooperation between ISRO and NASA.
- Joint Earth-observation missions such as NISAR.
- Human spaceflight cooperation and astronaut training.
- Commercial space collaboration and space situational awareness.
6. Telecommunications and Emerging Technologies
- Development of secure and trusted telecommunications networks.
- Cooperation in 5G, 6G and Open Radio Access Networks.
- Collaboration in biotechnology, critical minerals and clean-energy technologies.
- Promotion of resilient digital infrastructure and cyber security.
Major Outcomes
- Establishment of the India–U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership.
- Creation of mechanisms to connect technology startups, investors and research institutions.
- Expansion of defence innovation cooperation between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit.
- Promotion of the Innovation Handshake to connect startup ecosystems in both countries.
- Increased cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology and space.
Significance for India
- Facilitates access to advanced and dual-use technologies.
- Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous manufacturing.
- Strengthens semiconductor and critical-mineral supply-chain resilience.
- Encourages research, investment and technology-based employment.
- Reduces strategic dependence on concentrated global supply chains.
- Strengthens India’s role in shaping global technology standards.
- Deepens strategic cooperation with the United States in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges
- Restrictions relating to technology transfer and U.S. export controls.
- Intellectual-property and data-governance concerns.
- Differences in regulatory and procurement systems.
- Limited domestic manufacturing capability in advanced technologies.
- Need for sustained private-sector and academic participation.
- Possibility of geopolitical tensions disrupting technology supply chains.
Way Forward
- Convert policy announcements into commercially viable joint projects.
- Strengthen research partnerships between universities and laboratories.
- Increase funding for startups and deep-technology enterprises.
- Develop skilled manpower in semiconductors, AI and quantum technology.
- Establish clear intellectual-property and technology-transfer frameworks.
- Promote trusted, diversified and India-based technology supply chains.
Conclusion
The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology marked a shift in India–U.S. relations from conventional strategic cooperation towards a deeper technology and innovation partnership. Its expansion through the U.S.–India TRUST initiative can strengthen India’s technological capabilities, defence preparedness and economic security, provided both countries overcome regulatory and technology-transfer barriers.
