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U.S. and India launch high-level defense and tech initiative

Geopolitical concerns about China and Russia form backdrop of partnership

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Updated January 31, 2023 at 3:11 p.m. EST|Published January 31, 2023 at 3:03 p.m. EST
President Biden speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Group of 20 opening session in Bali, Indonesia, last year.
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The United States and India on Tuesday formally established a high-level initiative on defense and emerging technologies — what national security adviser Jake Sullivan called “a strategic bet” on the relationship between democratic partners.

The initiative on critical and emerging technologies, or iCET, follows on a commitment last May by President Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will, among other things, promote joint production of defense equipment — including military jet engines, long-range artillery and armored infantry vehicles.