The governments of the UK and India have announced a new technology security initiative aimed at boosting economic growth through investments across emerging technologies such as – telecoms, critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, health and biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. The initiative will not just focus on technology and economy but also bilateral trade partnerships, climate, culture and education.
The co-ordination of the initiative between the two countries will be in the hands of the respective national security advisers with regulatory and licensing issues to be dealt with through a bilateral mechanism between the Indian ministry of external affairs and the UK government. The initiative is an effort to refresh the UK-India comprehensive strategic partnership. The announcement also said the initiative would strengthen investment partnerships unlocking the potential of Indian enterprises active in the areas of green development, offshore wind and green hydrogen while also empowering women.
The initiative will also include topics such as global tech governance, digital technical standards and internet governance. More initiative with dedicated impact areas will soon be launched between the two countries. Collective growth in the fields of technology research centres, incubators, academia and the industries covered will be encouraged by the respective stakeholders within the government.
