UK-India Technology Security Initiative Launched to Boost Strategic Partnership

  • July 25, 2024, 1:08 a.m.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy concluded a significant visit to India by meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to announce the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This initiative aims to enhance investment, create job opportunities, and address future challenges through strategic cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Foreign Secretary Lammy tweeted, "Thank you @DrSJaishankar for the warm welcome. The UK-India relationship is indispensable. It's fantastic to be in Delhi as we announce a UK-India Technology Security Initiative to boost investment, create jobs, and address future challenges."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an official statement highlighting the significance of the TSI in elevating the bilateral partnership between India and the UK to new heights. The initiative builds upon the ambitious goals set out in the India-UK Roadmap 2030, focusing on critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors.

According to the MEA release, the TSI will strengthen existing collaborative efforts while expanding the scope of cooperation through new mechanisms. It will be coordinated by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, who will identify priority areas and foster partnerships to build meaningful technology value chains.

"The progress under the TSI will be regularly reviewed at the Deputy NSA level, ensuring sustained momentum in bilateral technology cooperation," the MEA statement affirmed. The initiative will also establish a bilateral mechanism led jointly by India's Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government to promote trade in critical and emerging technologies, addressing regulatory and licensing challenges as they arise.

The strategic Tech Policy Dialogue will play a crucial role in this partnership, focusing on global tech governance issues such as digital technical standards and internet governance frameworks. It aims to support a multi-stakeholder model and expand discussions to include internet governance and the promotion of multi-linguism through Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).

Furthermore, to deepen the technology security partnership, the UK and India will launch new bilateral initiatives and accelerate cooperation among government bodies, technology and research centers, industry stakeholders, and academia. This collaboration will span across sectors including telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, health tech, and advanced materials.

The launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in cutting-edge technologies and reinforcing ties between the two nations on global tech governance issues.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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