UK and India announce joint Technology Security Initiative

Countries say the new initiative to drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen the bilateral relationship

UK and India announce joint Technology Security Initiative

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UK and India announce joint Technology Security Initiative

The United Kingdom and India on Wednesday announced the launch of a new Technology Security Initiative in a move to bolster economic ties and address critical global challenges.

The ambitious partnership aims to enhance telecom security, stimulate investment in emerging sectors, and foster collaboration in critical areas such as semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotechnology and critical minerals.

British foreign secretary David Lammy, during his official visit to India, formalised the agreement with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The initiative, a result of extensive negotiations between both nations, will involve governments, private sectors, academia and research institutions.

Jaishankar and Lammy expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the Roadmap 2030 for bilateral relations and agreed to renew it to further elevate the partnership.

"This will mean real action together on the challenges of the future from AI to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs and investment," Lammy said.

The Technology Security Initiative is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and the UK.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the enhanced Future Telecoms Partnership, which will focus on joint research to develop secure and reliable telecommunications networks. The two countries will collaborate on open RAN systems, testbed linkups and spectrum innovation, among other areas.

In the semiconductor sector, the partnership will focus on supply chain resilience, skills development, and chip design.

Both nations are committed to developing safe and responsible AI. They will work together to establish interoperable AI governance frameworks and collaborate in international forums. The partnership will also explore the potential of quantum computing through a high-level dialogue.

To further strengthen the collaboration, India and the UK will launch a high-level partnership on engineering biology and establish a dialogue on advanced materials.

Recognising the strategic importance of critical minerals, India and the UK will work together to explore research and development opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and develop a roadmap for cooperation.

The partnership extends beyond technology. Lammy and Modi also committed to deepening cooperation on climate action, with a focus on mobilising finance and accelerating joint efforts in offshore wind and green hydrogen energy.

A key focus of the partnership is to expedite negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost economic ties. Additionally, both countries committed to deepening defence and security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, to counter threats from non-state actors.

By combining their strengths and expertise, the two nations aim to become global leaders in technology and innovation.

To support the initiative, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India's Department of Science and Technology announced a £7 million funding call for future telecoms research.

"Both sides are proud of the wide range of existing collaborations between UK and Indian institutions in this domain; and seek to build on this strong foundation to collectively shape a fourth industrial revolution that improves our citizen's health, wellbeing and prosperity, in ways which support democracy and peace," the UK government said.

"Both countries view this Technology Security Initiative as a platform and a strong signal of intent to build and grow sustainable and tangible partnerships across priority tech sectors," it added.