The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) is a collaborative effort launched by the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in national security and economic development, the TSI builds upon the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and focuses on collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors. The initiative aims to strengthen existing collaborations, broaden the scope of current mechanisms, and establish new channels for cooperation.

Coordination and Implementation

The TSI will be overseen by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, who will set priorities and identify key areas for collaboration. The initiative's progress will be reviewed biannually at the Deputy NSA level. A bilateral mechanism will be established, led by India's Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, to facilitate trade in critical and emerging technologies and address regulatory and licensing issues.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Telecommunications:

• The UK and India will develop a Future Telecoms Partnership, focusing on Open RAN systems, telecoms security, spectrum innovation, and the development of 6G technologies.
• The collaboration will involve the UK's SONIC Labs, India's Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and the DOT’s Telecoms Startup Mission.
• Joint research programs, policy exchanges, and trade missions will be conducted to stimulate commercial opportunities and technological advancements.

Critical Minerals:

• The partnership will include policy exchanges, supply chain resilience improvements, and R&D collaborations along the critical minerals value chain.
• An Observatory led by the University of Cambridge, IIT Dhanbad, and IIT Bombay will be established to share data on critical minerals.
• Initiatives will focus on sustainable extraction technologies and recycling critical minerals from waste products.

Semiconductors:

• The UK and India will pursue a broad semiconductor partnership, focusing on R&D in chip design, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging.
• The partnership will promote workforce development, trade missions, and the integration of supply chains.
• Efforts will be made to enhance bilateral collaboration and address challenges in semiconductor supply chains.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• The two countries will collaborate on safe, responsible, and human-centric AI, focusing on global good and interoperability in AI governance frameworks.
• Initiatives include policy exchanges, joint research, bias detection challenges, and creating a joint Centre for Responsible AI.
• The partnership will also explore knowledge sharing and cooperation between AI research centres.

Quantum Technology:

• The UK and India will establish a high-level dialogue to explore research and industry collaboration opportunities in quantum technology.
• Joint hackathons, entrepreneurship training, and academic exchanges will be conducted to advance quantum capabilities.

Biotechnology and Health-tech:

• A high-level partnership on engineering biology will be launched, focusing on genomics, precision medicine, and biotechnology innovations.
• The collaboration will also include affordable healthcare measures and responsible innovations in biotechnology.

Advanced Materials:

• The two countries will collaborate on R&D for advanced materials, including novel alloys, powders, and nanotechnology.
• Partnerships will focus on industrial sustainability and developing technologies for extreme environments.

Strategic Policy Dialogue

The TSI will include a Strategic Tech Policy Dialogue, where India and the UK will discuss global tech governance, digital technical standards, and internet governance issues. This dialogue will support a multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance and promote multilingualism through Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).

Conclusion

The TSI represents a significant step towards deepening the strategic partnership between India and the UK. It aims to foster sustainable and tangible partnerships across various technology sectors, leveraging the strengths of both nations to address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.

Source: UK Policy paper

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