India and the United Kingdom have agreed to further intensify their bilateral collaboration in critical areas such as trade, investment, defense, security, migration, IT/AI, science and technology, innovation, climate, and green energy. This decision follows extensive discussions held in New Delhi between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and David Lammy, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Launch of the UK–India Technology Security Initiative
One of the significant outcomes of these talks is the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). Spearheaded by the National Security Advisors of both nations, the TSI aims to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors such as telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and advanced materials. The initiative will engage the government, private sector, academia, and R&D institutions in both countries to drive forward technological advancements and security.
Review of Roadmap 2030
The ministers reviewed the Roadmap 2030, originally agreed upon by the Prime Ministers during the India-UK Virtual Summit in 2021. They expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and discussed renewing the roadmap with heightened ambitions for bilateral cooperation. This renewal aims to further cement the partnership between the two countries, especially in technology and economic growth.
Economic and Climate Collaboration
The UK and India have also committed to closer collaboration on climate change and green energy initiatives. They agreed to accelerate their green energy partnership, focusing on off-shore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to address climate change, mobilize finance, and unlock new clean growth opportunities. It includes strengthening the investment partnership to support pioneering Indian enterprises working on climate and technology, with a specific focus on empowering women and delivering green development.
Funding for Future Telecoms Research
During the visit, a new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology. This initiative, part of the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership, aims to bolster research and development in future telecom technologies.
Key Statements
David Lammy, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, highlighted the importance of growth in foreign policy. He stated, “This government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. That’s why three weeks into the job, I am in Delhi announcing a new Technology Security Initiative to deliver on the promise of the UK-India relationship. 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.”
Peter Kyle, the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, emphasized the significance of the UK-India partnership in science, innovation, and technology. He said, “The UK and India are recognized the world over as powerhouses for science, innovation, and technology – and this new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens across both nations. From telecoms and semiconductors to biotechnology and AI, these generation-defining technologies will unlock countless new opportunities and innovations.”
Broader Bilateral Initiatives
The announcement of the TSI is part of a broader package of initiatives agreed upon during bilateral meetings in New Delhi. These initiatives aim to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, driving forward cooperation in key areas such as trade, technology, education, culture, and climate. The focus is on boosting economic growth and deepening the bilateral partnership to address global challenges.
Bottomline
The renewed collaboration between India and the UK marks a significant step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership. By focusing on critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and economic growth, both nations are poised to achieve mutual benefits and address global challenges together.