U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue: Technology Industry Roundtable

On August 30, 2023, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval (India) and Jake Sullivan (United States) co-chaired a virtual Industry Roundtable on Technology, bringing together industry leaders from both nations. The key objective of the roundtable was to foster collaboration and explore opportunities for cooperation in the critical technology sectors that underpin economic growth and national security.

Attendees and Agenda

The roundtable assembled a diverse group of industry executives representing a wide range of technology sectors, including telecommunications, semiconductors, software, hardware, and renewable energy. The agenda focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and shared goals, with a particular emphasis on:

Strengthening supply chains
Investing in research and development
Promoting innovation
Enhancing cybersecurity resilience
Addressing emerging technology challenges

Key Areas of Discussion

Strengthening Supply Chains:

Participants discussed the need to establish resilient and diverse supply chains that could mitigate risks and ensure the availability of critical technology components. They explored the possibility of joint ventures and partnerships, as well as the development of complementary production capabilities in both India and the United States.

Investing in Research and Development:

The roundtable highlighted the importance of sustained investments in research and development (R&D) to drive innovation and create cutting-edge technologies. Participants emphasized the need for government support, industry-academia collaboration, and cross-border partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of new technologies.

Promoting Innovation:

The participants underscored the significance of creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and encourages risk-taking. They discussed the role of government policies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks in promoting entrepreneurialism and stimulating the development of breakthrough technologies.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Resilience:

With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, cybersecurity emerged as a critical area of collaboration. Participants discussed the need for robust cybersecurity measures, information sharing, and coordination between the public and private sectors to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

Addressing Emerging Technology Challenges:

The roundtable recognized the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and quantum computing. Participants discussed the ethical, legal, and societal implications of these technologies and emphasized the need for responsible development and deployment.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The Industry Roundtable on Technology provided a valuable platform for industry leaders from India and the United States to engage in an open and constructive dialogue. The participants identified several areas of potential cooperation and agreed to continue working together to advance their shared interests.

Key outcomes of the roundtable include:

Establishment of working groups to explore specific areas of collaboration, such as semiconductors and telecommunications.
Creation of a joint fund to support research and development initiatives.
Development of a framework for information sharing and coordination on cybersecurity matters.
Regular meetings to monitor progress and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

The Industry Roundtable on Technology marked a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United States. By fostering collaboration in the critical technology sectors, both nations can enhance their economic competitiveness, national security, and global influence. The ongoing discussions and initiatives will pave the way for a more prosperous and secure future for both countries and the world at large.