Challenges persist in implementing the bilateral Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) despite recent productive discussions between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan.

Critical and emerging technologies (CETs)

• About: Critical and emerging technologies (CETs) represent a category of advanced technologies that hold considerable importance for India. 
  • These technologies are rapidly reshaping the global landscape and have the potential to redefine future industrial and economic growth, alongside presenting significant security challenges.

Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

• About: The framework for the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies provides a comprehensive platform for collaboration between India and the US.
• Aim: The iCET aims to establish India  and the United States of America. as reliable technology partners, fostering supply chain development and supporting collaborative production and development of goods.
• Cooperation: Under iCET, both countries have identified six areas for cooperation, including co-development and co-production.  These efforts are set to expand gradually from QUAD to NATO, Europe, and globally over time.
  • Establishing common AI standards.
  • Creating a roadmap to enhance defense technology cooperation and an ‘innovation bridge’ linking defense startups.
  • Supporting the growth of a semiconductor ecosystem.
  • Strengthening collaboration in human spaceflight.
  • Advancing joint efforts in 5G and 6G development.
  • Implementing OpenRAN network technology in India.

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Limitations in executing iCET

• Intellectual Property Rights: The U.S. government does not presume to act on behalf of its defence companies that own the IPRs for their sundry wares.
• Shareholder Influence on Technology Transfer: Besides, U.S. defence vendors, he cautioned, were answerable to their shareholders, whose motivations were largely commercially driven. This, in turn, could adversely impact the quantum of technology they were willing to transfer
• Constraints on Acquisition: India’s agreements with the U.S. prior to acquiring these assets restricted the traditional and sometimes necessary jugaad approach. 
  • Acquisitions through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route were particularly constrained by the stringent ‘Golden Sentry’ end-use monitoring program, which prohibits jugaad entirely.

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