India And UK Seeking Partnership In Critical Strategic Technologies

India and the United Kingdom (UK) are in talks to bolster cooperation in critical strategic technologies, including semiconductors, telecommunications and critical minerals, said a report in the Mint.

The talks come amidst ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries and similar partnerships being sought by India, notably the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) with the United States (US).

According to the report, India and the UK are eyeing a broad partnership that mirrors the iCET focusing on semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology, telecom, and rare earth processing among others.

The key focus will be on linking Indian firms with research facilities in the UK and building pathways for greater mobility for research talent to move between countries.

The report also says that talks between the two countries on strategic technologies kick-started when Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh visited the UK in April. An investment of £16 million by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) — matched by India — was announced during his visit.

Four joint programmes were announced by the UKRI and its Indian partners, including two £5 million projects funded through the new International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) — a partnership between UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Rising concerns over China’s growing dominance in advanced computing, telecom, space tech, and defence tech have alarmed nations across the world. The future of conflict would depend on who dominates these critical technologies and the need for building partnerships is being felt now.

However, whether India’s partners are willing to address its concerns and fulfill its own needs, especially in co-production and co-development, remains to be seen.