Senior national security advisers from the U.S. and India discussed the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to enhance bilateral defence technology cooperation.
Content
- Introduction
- Barriers to Technology Transfer
- Strategies to Overcome Limitations
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
- Senior national security advisers from the U.S. and India engaged in discussions centred on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
- Key challenges identified include resistance from U.S. defence companies and strict export controls, impacting technology sharing.
- Discussions also covered potential technology transfers involving aviation and combat vehicle production, hindered by restrictions on critical technologies.
Barriers to Technology Transfer
- U.S. defence companies tightly control intellectual property rights (IPR), limiting technology transfers.
- Export laws in the U.S. and the commercial interests of shareholders further complicate the sharing of technology.
- The failure of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) due to similar issues exemplifies ongoing systemic challenges.
Strategies to Overcome Limitations
- Indian defence officials propose using ‘jugaad’ (innovative solutions) to adapt U.S.-origin military platforms within restrictive conditions.
- Acquisitions under stringent U.S. monitoring programs like ‘Golden Sentry’ restrict modifications, limiting flexibility in using imported technologies.
- Emphasizes the strategic need to diversify away from traditional partners like Russia, suggesting a pivot towards sourcing military technologies from the U.S.
Conclusion
To advance iCET effectively, addressing structural challenges is crucial. A policy and practice overhaul is necessary to foster a collaborative environment that strategically and technologically benefits both nations. This involves careful navigation of IPR issues, export restrictions, and integrating innovative adaptation strategies within the framework of U.S.-India defense cooperation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET)?
The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a platform for U.S.-India collaboration focused on technology sharing in areas like aviation and combat vehicles.
What is the Golden Sentry program?
The Golden Sentry program is a U.S. monitoring initiative that oversees the end-use of its exported military technologies, ensuring they are used as intended without unauthorized modifications.