Introduction
At the 2022 Quad Summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden announced iCET, a flagship bilateral program aimed at building a trusted technology partnership rooted in democratic values. Co-led by the national security councils of both countries, iCET seeks to transform India–US strategic cooperation through co‑development, co‑production, R&D, and startup ecosystem linkages.
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1. Pillars of Cooperation
iCET focuses on six core domains:
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Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Technologies—joint research, Quantum Coordination Mechanism, AI ethics frameworks
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Semiconductors & Wireless Telecommunications—joint taskforce on semiconductor ecosystem, Open RAN/5G/6G dialogues
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Space & STEM Talent Exchange—NASA–ISRO astronaut programs, research collaboration, planetary defense
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Defense Innovation—Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, INDUS-X defense startup acceleration, co-production of jet engines, drone systems
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Innovation Ecosystem & Academia—bridging IITs and American universities via the Global Challenges Institute
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Emerging Technologies—clean energy tech, biotechnology, critical-minerals processing, advanced materials
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2. Institutional Mechanisms
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The initiative is driven through meetings led by NSA Ajit Doval (India) and NSA Jake Sullivan (US).
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The first meeting was held in Washington in January 2023. The second occurred in New Delhi in mid‑2024.
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Multiple working groups meet inter-sessionally at the Deputy NSA level to implement collaboration in each sector.
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Private sector platforms like the US-India Business Council, India-US Innovation Handshake, and launch of INDUS‑X (India–US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem) help connect startups, investors, and defense agencies.
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3. Recent Expansions & Emerging Focus Areas
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In December 2023, iCET’s scope was broadened to include biotechnology, critical minerals and rare-earth processing, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials.
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Regulatory barriers have been identified and are being addressed under the Strategic Trade Dialogue framework.
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Joint funds and pilot programs (including the US–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund) continue to support innovation proposals across AI, quantum, and clean energy.
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4. Early Outcomes & Strategic Deliverables
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Quantum Coordination Mechanism launched to support joint industry–academia partnerships across both countries.
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Public–private dialogue enabled Open RAN deployment in India via cooperation with US NextG Alliance.
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A taskforce comprising US Semiconductor Industry Association and India Semiconductor Mission was formed to guide semiconductor co-production plans and workforce development.
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The long‑anticipated Shakti Semiconductor Fab, a compound-chip manufacturing facility in India, is underway—covering silicon carbide and gallium nitride chips for military and civilian use.
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Under iCET, sonobuoy co‑production for maritime surveillance was agreed between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Ultra Maritime—India’s first defense-linked project under the initiative.
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5. Strategic Context & Challenges
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iCET emerges amid US efforts to reduce over-dependence on China in semiconductor supply chains and critical technologies. India’s talent base, growing industrial capacity, and democratic credentials make it a natural partner.
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Challenges include balancing technology transfer safeguards with strategic autonomy; aligning regulatory systems across two legal frameworks; and managing geopolitical sensitivities—especially where iCET overlaps with Quad or AUKUS spillovers.
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✅ Summary Table
| iCET Element | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pillars | AI, Quantum, Semiconductors, Space, Defence, Biotech, Critical Minerals |
| Institutional Structure | NSA-level leadership; Deputy-level taskforces; Private-public platforms (INDUS-X, Innovation Handshake) |
| Key Deliverables | Jet-engine co-production roadmap, Shakti Fab, Quantum coordination, Sonobuoys, OpenRAN deployment |
| Strategic Backdrop | US–China tech rivalry; Build resilient supply chains; Shared democratic values |
| Risks & Gaps | Export control complexities; Regulatory harmonization; Ensuring equitable technology sharing |
🔭 Future Agenda: What’s Next for iCET?
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Operationalizing Shakti Semiconductor Fab (by 2027)—support robust chip supply for security applications.
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Scaling INDUS-X and Defense Startup Collaboration, including pilot joint development of missile systems and drones.
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Biotech and Rare Earths Pilots—joint production facilities and innovation hubs to build India’s domestic capacity.
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Strengthen Innovation Institutes, like Global Challenges Institute, to support clean energy, food security, pandemic preparedness.
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Expand Talent Mobility, including joint STEM fellowships, lab-access programs, and cross-country hiring frameworks.
🧭 Conclusion
iCET marks a transformational shift in India–US relations—linking strategic trust to technological interdependence. By weaving together defense, semiconductors, AI, energy, and academic collaboration, the initiative sets India and the US on a competitive yet cooperative trajectory. Moving forward, its success hinges on effective institutional coordination, shared R&D investments, and ethical, rights‑aware tech governance grounded in mutual democratic values