The INDUS-X initiative, launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, DC, has celebrated its first anniversary with significant achievements in fostering transnational collaboration in defence innovation. This milestone underscores the commitment of both the United States and India to strengthen bilateral ties through the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
As per the release from the US Department of Defence, INDUS-X has been instrumental in advancing technological cooperation between the two nations’ private sectors. This collaboration has not only facilitated partnerships among defence technology firms, investors, and researchers but has also laid the foundation for strategic alliances crucial to enhancing defence capabilities.
The initiative, which focuses on Critical and Emerging Technologies, aims to bridge innovation gaps and promote transformative partnerships in defence technology. Since its inception, INDUS-X has seen robust participation from both Indian and American stakeholders, driving forward initiatives that are pivotal to future defence strategies.
Highlighting the growing significance of INDUS-X, the White House has announced the upcoming third INDUS-X Summit, scheduled to take place in Silicon Valley in September 2024. Co-hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, the summit will emphasize leveraging private capital to accelerate innovation in the defence sector.
The INDUS X event, co-organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India, and the US Department of Defence (DoD), was launched in Washington, DC, USA, on June 21, 2023. Led by Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion) Anurag Bajpai from the MoD, the event featured a diverse array of participants including government representatives, defence startups, think tanks, incubators, investors, and industries from both nations.
During the event, 15 Indian start-ups and 10 US start-ups showcased their innovative technologies across various domains such as maritime, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space. This joint showcasing marked a significant step towards strengthening technological exchange and collaboration between India and the United States.
The INDUS-X initiative has not only bolstered technological cooperation but also reinforced the strategic partnership between the United States and India. With plans for future summits and continued collaboration, INDUS-X is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defence innovation and cooperation between the two countries.
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