United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology
{{Short description|Bilateral collaborative framework}}
United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, or iCET, is a collaborative framework established by the United States and India to enhance cooperation in developing fields of technology. These areas encompass artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication.{{Cite news |last=S |first=Sumeda |date=2023-06-17 |title=Explained {{!}} What is the India, U.S. initiative on future tech? |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/explained-what-is-the-india-us-initiative-on-future-tech/article66980841.ece |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0971-751X}}
Background
In May 2022, United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi jointly unveiled the iCET. Subsequently, on January 31, 2023, the inaugural iCET meeting took place in Washington, D.C., led by the respective National Security Advisors of both countries.{{Cite web |last=House |first=The White |date=2023-01-31 |title=FACT SHEET: United States and India Elevate Strategic Partnership with the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/31/fact-sheet-united-states-and-india-elevate-strategic-partnership-with-the-initiative-on-critical-and-emerging-technology-icet/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Swanson |first=Ana |date=2023-01-31 |title=U.S. Courts India as Technology Partner to Counter China |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/31/business/economy/us-india-technology-partnership.html |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0362-4331}}
Also, to promote research and collaboration in the field of quantum technology, the two countries created a collaborative Indo-U.S. quantum coordination mechanism. This mechanism involves participants from various sectors, including industry, academia, and government, who work together to facilitate joint efforts and partnerships.{{Cite web |last=Pillai Rajagopalan |first=Rajeswari |date=4 February 2023 |title=iCET: Strengthening the India-US Tech Agenda |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/icet-strengthening-the-india-us-tech-agenda/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}
Collaboration
In order to manufacture chips for national security needs, the US military has partnered with Indian startups to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in India. With assistance from the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology cooperation between the United States Space Force (USSF), Bharat Semi, and 3rdiTech, the fabrication plant would produce silicon carbide, infrared, and gallium nitride chips. The plant will prioritize supplying the high-voltage power electronics, advanced communications, and advanced sensors that are the three fundamental foundations of modern warfare. The chips will also be utilized in data centers, communications infrastructure, green energy systems, and railroads. It will support the development of a reliable and robust supply chain in the crucial area of national security.{{Cite web |last=Bhaumik |first=Anirban |title=US Space Force to help set up semiconductor plant in India to meet national security needs |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-to-get-first-national-security-semiconductor-fabrication-plant-3201871 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} The two-way cooperation is part of the CHIPS and Science Act and United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. In order to design and develop military-grade semiconductor for night vision devices, missile guidance, space sensors, drones, fighter aircraft, electric vehicles, military communications, radars, and jammers, the collaboration involves setting up design hubs, testing centers, centers of excellence, and two fabrication units.{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Prashant |date=23 September 2024 |title=This is India's Taiwan moment, there is no turning back: Bharat Semi founders |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/this-is-india-s-taiwan-moment-there-is-no-turning-back-bharat-semi-founders-101727102876329.html |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=2024-09-27 |title=Fabrication unit in India to provide semiconductor chips to US, Indian forces |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fabrication-unit-in-india-to-provide-semiconductor-chips-to-us-indian-forces/articleshow/113678007.cms |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The project will receive a 50% capital expenditure subsidy from India Semiconductor Mission.{{Cite web |last=Barik |first=Soumyarendra |date=2024-09-26 |title=3rdiTech: The chipmaker at the heart of the new India-US compound semiconductor partnership |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/pm-modi-joe-biden-semiconductor-fabrication-plant-india-start-up-9588623/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
To address the defense demands of the United States, its allies, and India, the Shakti Semiconductor Fab will acquire complete expertise in the development of compound semiconductors. The factory will begin phase one production from 2027, with an annual target of 50,000 units. The establishment of the facility would cost $500 million in investments. General Atomics is 3rdiTech's technology validation partner.{{Cite web |last=Luthra |first=Parikshit |date=2024-09-24 |title=India to get 100% tech transfer from US for Shakti Semiconductor Fab |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/india-to-get-100-tech-transfer-from-us-for-shakti-semiconductor-fab-19481882.htm |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}} The company has worked under United States Department of Defense and Ministry of Defence in UK.{{Cite news |last=Mishra |first=Ashutosh |last2=Shinde |first2=Shivani |date=23 September 2024 |title=Meet Bharat Semi, startup behind Indo-US semiconductor fab partnership |url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/start-ups/bharat-semi-startup-behind-indo-us-partnership-in-semiconductor-fab-124092301132_1.html |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=Business Standard}}
Designed for national security, the fabrication plant is the first multi-material fabrication facility in the world.{{Cite web |last=Vishnuraj |first=Sujatha |date=2024-09-27 |title=West Bengal identifies land for India's first national security semiconductor plant |url=https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/west-bengal-identifies-land-for-indias-first-national-security-semiconductor-plant |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Manufacturing Today |language=en-US}} On September 21, 2024, at a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delaware, the blueprint for the Bharat Semi Fab was revealed. The strategic significance of this project is further enhanced by the fact that it represents the US Space Force's first-ever international technology partnership.{{Cite web |last=Siddiqui |first=Huma |date=2024-09-23 |title=India-US semiconductor partnership breaks ground on National Security and Technology front |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-india-us-semiconductor-partnership-breaks-ground-on-national-security-and-technology-front-3618852/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}
Under iCET, United States and India announced setting aside more than $2 million in 2024 for collaborative research initiatives that will advance AI and quantum technology.{{Cite news |date=18 July 2023 |title=India and the United States today jointly launched a call for proposals on Critical and Emerging Technology: Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1940458 |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=Press Information Bureau |agency=Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India}}{{Cite news |date=12 October 2024 |title=US, India announce over USD 2 million grants for AI and quantum technology research projects |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/us-india-announce-over-usd-2-million-grants-for-ai-and-quantum-technology-research-projects20241012052522/ |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=ANI}}