NEW DELHI: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone with the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
This new collaboration, spearheaded by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, is set to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies across sectors such as telecommunications, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
The TSI aims to bolster the strategic partnership between India and the UK, expanding their collaboration in areas essential for future technological advancements. “The UK-India relationship is indispensable. It’s fantastic to be in Delhi as we announce a UK-India Technology Security Initiative to boost investment, create jobs, and address future challenges,” Lammy remarked during his visit.
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The initiative builds on the Roadmap 2030, which outlines the framework for bilateral cooperation. It will include contributions from government bodies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and research and development organizations. Both sides have agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, with a focus on trade, investment, defence, security, and technology.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Lammy reviewed the progress under the Roadmap 2030 and expressed their commitment to renewing and expanding it. Jaishankar described the discussions as “productive and engaging,” emphasizing the immense potential to advance the India-UK partnership across various domains including trade, economy, and high technology.
A critical component of the TSI is the establishment of a “Future Telecoms Partnership” that will advance joint research in telecommunications technologies such as open radio access networks (open RAN) and spectrum innovation. The initiative also seeks to enhance supply chain resilience and promote environmentally sustainable extraction technologies for critical minerals.
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In the semiconductor sector, India and the UK will work towards a broad partnership that leverages their strengths, focusing on research and development, skills exchanges, and hardware security. Additionally, both nations will collaborate on artificial intelligence to ensure “safe, responsible, human-centric and trustworthy AI,” and will engage in high-level dialogues on quantum computing and advanced materials.
The TSI will be coordinated and monitored by the NSAs of both countries, with a joint review mechanism to be conducted semi-annually. This initiative follows similar collaborations India has with the US through the Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and with the European Union through the Trade and Technology Council.
A £7-million funding call for future telecoms research was announced by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology. The TSI is expected to drive economic growth, deepen technological cooperation, and address global challenges, including climate change and green energy.
The agreement also highlights the need to deepen defence and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and address threats from non-state actors. Lammy’s visit, the first high-level engagement with New Delhi under the new Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with India.