US, India plan Initiative on Critical and Emerging Tech (iCET)

Ahead of the launch of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday (local time) that iCET will "accelerate our strategic convergence" and policy alignment.
He said this while addressing a meeting, hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC), in the presence of US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting was hosted in advance of the inaugural launch of the iCET. Addressing industry executives, NSA Sullivan said that "iCET is about much more than technology cooperation, it's a platform to accelerate our strategic convergence and policy alignment."
Highlighting the work ahead for both governments, Sullivan added that the United States and Indian governments "want to establish a list of 'firsts'," "firsts in removing barriers--on both sides--to enable greater ambition by all of you."
Sullivan highlighted how iCET will accelerate the United States' strategic technology partnership with India and advance the two countries' shared democratic values.
He also recognized the pivotal role that businesses, educators, and investors play, urged attendees to be ambitious in deepening business and academic ties, and committed to working with NSA Doval to remove barriers on both sides.
Ambassador Atul Keshap, President of the US-India Business Council and the former Charge d'affaires to India, welcomed the Indian and American delegations, including Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on behalf of the US Chamber.
Announced during US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks in Tokyo last May, the iCET is spearheaded by the National Security Councils of both countries and focuses on strengthening the US-India partnership on the technologies that will drive global growth, bolster both countries' economic competitiveness, and protect shared national security interests.

(ANI)