The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine.

1. Provides for better engagement between industries via INDUS X

2. Technology transfer will help to build local capacity

3. Help Make in India and lead to more jobs.

4. Help to popularize our digital infrastructure and expand it.

5. Open the path to become a digital vishwaguru.

6. Bring in better usage of artificial intelligence & blockchain in agriculture, health, education, etc.

However it is not a bed of roses as there are challenges.

1. USA has been a non-trustworthy partner - denied GPS during Kargil war
2. Lack of interoperability of defence systems - 49% imports from Russia.
3. Conditionalities of USA have been against Indian interests.
4. Threat of losing strategic autonomy
5. Challenges around technology transfer and indigenization. → US has been critical of our IPR regime

Yet, we need US support due to its -

1. Sheer volume of research spending

& cutting edge technology. 2) Evolving nature of cyber attacks Eg Red Echo on Mumbai power grid.

Way ahead

1. Have a clear cut policy and negotiate for India centric sharing
2. Build own capacity → train workforce in research.
3. Increase own GERD (Gross expenditure on R & D) from 0.7% of GDP to 3% as in china
4. Be careful to diversify → have similar deals with France or EU as well.
5. Leverage Indo Pacific centricity → ask for favourable terms in deal → GE414 engine in right direction