Second meeting of U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) held in New Delhi | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Second meeting of U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) held in New Delhi

    Posted 19 Jun 2024

    2 min read

    iCET led by Indian National Security Council Secretariat and U.S. National Security Council was launched in 2023.

    • It is a framework for cooperation on CET in areas including space, semiconductors, telecommunications, clean energy, biotechnology, etc.

    Key highlights

    • Innovation: Unlock over combined $90 million in government funding over next five years for U.S.-India Global Challenges Institute to foster research partnerships in areas of semiconductor technology, sustainable agriculture, etc.
    • Space Technology Cooperation: Both sides agreed to- 
      • Launch NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, jointly developed satellite to map Earth's surface twice every 12 days as part of efforts to combat climate change.
      • Explore opportunities to participate in Lunar Gateway Programme (LGP).
        • LGP aims to build a space station around moon as part of collaborative Artemis programme headed by US.
    • Telecommunications: Partnerships to deploy cost-effective Open Radio Access Network technology; strengthen cooperation in 6G technologies etc.
    • Biotechnology: 
      • Developing joint Strategic Framework for optimizing and strengthening global biopharmaceutical supply chain.
      • Launch of “Bio-X” initiative to promote cooperation in biotechnology and enhance competitiveness of biotechnology industries.
    • Clean Energy: Enhancing Mineral security partnership through co-invest in lithium resource project in South America and rare earths deposit in Africa.

    Significance of ICET

    • Vital for India's growing role as a trusted supply chain partner and contributor in the global technology value chain.
    • Deals directly with disruptive domains which are central to the next Industrial Revolution and future warfare. 
    • Open new markets for India’s deep technology players.
    • Tags :
    • iCET
    • NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
    • Lunar Gateway Programme (LGP)
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