As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the USA, officials from both countries discuss plans to co-produce jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). The initiative was launched earlier this year by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US NSA Jake Sullivan, at the direction of US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During a meeting between US Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Indian Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane at the Pentagon, they discussed priorities for strengthening the US-India defense partnership, including increasing defense-industrial cooperation and operational collaboration.
Hicks emphasized the importance of the US-India relationship in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed support for India’s defense modernization objectives. The officials also discussed the upcoming launch of INDUS-X, which will promote partnerships between the two countries defense innovation ecosystems.
The dialogue during the 17th US-India Defence Policy Group meeting reflected the robust and comprehensive defense ties between the two countries, focusing on industrial cooperation, information-sharing, maritime security, technological collaboration, and shared priorities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The officials reinforced their commitment to strengthening cooperation and interoperability between the US and Indian militaries.