India and the United Kingdom launched the Technology Security Initiative today, which aims to enhance collaboration on critical technologies. Announced by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the initiative strengthens economic ties and addresses mutual challenges in telecom, AI, climate change, and more.
This will bolster collaboration on critical and emerging technologies, including telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, the British High Commission announced.
This initiative refreshes the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, prioritizing economic growth, climate change mitigation, and green energy projects. ‘The UK and India have committed to intensified cooperation on offshore wind, green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities,’ the commission stated.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the initiative during his inaugural visit to India, where he engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials. The initiative, spearheaded by both nations’ National Security Advisors, aims to explore synergies in priority technology sectors.
‘This bold new approach will define how the UK and India work together on key technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials,’ the commission highlighted. Delivered by Lammy on behalf of the British Prime Minister, the agreement builds on pre-existing partnerships between the governments, industry, and academia.
National Security Advisers from both countries will oversee the initiative to ensure it maximizes the potential of UK-India technological collaboration. This announcement forms part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, discussed during Lammy’s meetings in New Delhi.
Additionally, a new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was announced, co-sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology under their bilateral science, technology, and innovation partnership.
‘With this initiative, we are taking real action on future challenges, from AI to critical minerals,’ Lammy emphasized. ‘Together, we can unlock mutual growth, innovation, jobs, and investment.’
The initiative also intensifies collaborative efforts to address the climate crisis, aiming to ensure more sustainable futures for both nations. ‘This government is reconnecting Britain for our security and prosperity,’ added Lammy.
Praising the partnership, UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle remarked, ‘The UK and India are globally recognized as innovation powerhouses. This new agreement will yield substantial benefits for citizens in both countries.’
‘From telecommunications and semiconductors to biotechnology and AI, this initiative will unlock numerous opportunities,’ the commission noted. Further, Lammy agreed with India’s Minister for External Affairs to deepen bilateral climate partnerships, focusing on finance mobilization and clean growth initiatives.
Key areas include expanding the India-UK investment partnership, fostering pioneering Indian enterprises, and empowering women through green development projects. The collaboration will also concentrate on off-shore wind, green hydrogen, forest conservation, and building resilient future cities.
