New Delhi: During his inaugural visit to India, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, signifying a significant step forward in the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the field of semiconductor technology.
This initiative highlights the mutual commitment of the two nations towards strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a particular focus on critical areas including supply chain resilience, skills development, and hardware security.
"Our approach will encompass a broad partnership in the semiconductor sector. Our endeavors will leverage the unique strengths and incentives of each country, while exploring avenues for mutually advantageous research and development focused on strategic issues such as supply chain resilience, skills exchanges, and hardware security," according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The visit of Lammy to India was also marked by high-level engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, during which discussions centred on the expansion of collaborative initiatives in defense, security, trade, and investment. The Technology Security Initiative stands as a pivotal pillar of this rejuvenated partnership, aiming to harness India's manufacturing prowess in collaboration with the UK's proficiency in chip design and intellectual property.
"Recognizing the significance of quantum as an area for dialogue, we are committed to adapting to the ever-evolving technological landscape. This includes establishing a high-level dialogue aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of our respective national quantum strategies. This will inform the development of potential future research and industry collaboration opportunities between our countries," the statement further elaborated.
The core elements of the initiative are as follows:
- Research and Development Collaboration: A joint endeavor in chip design, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging, with an emphasis on applications crucial to the interests of both nations, such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies.
- Workforce Development: Exchange programs designed to equip the semiconductor workforce with advanced technical skills, ensuring preparedness for the evolving demands of the industry.
- Trade and Investment: Facilitation of trade missions involving UK and Indian semiconductor companies, with the objective of stimulating bilateral trade and fortifying economic relations.
- Supply Chain Integration: Promotion of deeper integration in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips and wafers, through the encouragement of joint ventures and business partnerships between Indian and UK firms.
- Security and Resilience: Joint efforts to enhance the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, addressing challenges related to raw materials, components, and the security of devices through expert consultations and international cooperation.
This initiative is in harmony with broader objectives to advance cooperation in emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and biotechnology. Both countries are poised to deepen their dialogues and collaborations in these domains, aiming to foster innovation and tackle global challenges.
The unveiling of this initiative is part of a comprehensive package of decisions the Foreign Secretary has agreed upon in the aftermath of bilateral meetings in New Delhi with Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to re-commit to the revitalization and diversification of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The incumbent UK Foreign Secretary has been slated for a journey from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' assembly in Laos, wherein he is anticipated to promote and enhance economic collaborations with the United Kingdom, alongside introducing novel initiatives in the realms of climate change and health.
