"India-UK Launch Advanced Tech Security Initiative; FTA Deal Imminent"

25 Jul, 2024

"India-UK Launch Advanced Tech Security Initiative; FTA Deal Imminent"

India and the UK have launched a landmark Technology Security Initiative (TSI) to bolster collaboration in key sectors like telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. This initiative, revealed after talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and British counterpart David Lammy, aims to elevate their strategic partnership. The TSI will involve government, private sector, academia, and research institutions, focusing on critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors such as quantum, biotech, and advanced materials.

During the discussions, significant progress in India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations was acknowledged, with both sides eager for an early conclusion. Concerns over pro-Khalistan activities and the issue of Christian Michel were also raised. Additionally, the talks emphasized deepening defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, enhancing capacities to address threats from non-state actors. The initiative aligns with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, targeting mutual growth, innovation, and investment.

The collaboration includes future telecoms research and supply chain resilience in critical minerals. The TSI agreement, spearheaded by the NSAs, marks a first-of-its-kind partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth and cooperation in trade, technology, education, culture, and climate.