After meeting with his US counterpart about "critical technologies," NSA Doval said, "Need To Turn Intentions Into Actions"

AJIT DOVAL, India's National Security Advisor, said during the opening of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies on Monday (US local time) that there is a need to transform intents and ideas into actions and "concrete deliverables" by means of extremely targeted efforts (iCET). Additionally, he said that these measures must be undertaken in a timely way. Participants at the event also spoke about the need of building trade ties to support the expansion of co-production and co-development of important technology like microchips.

This is significant because recent events like the Covid Pandemic and the US-China trade war have highlighted the vulnerability of the world's supply chains for technology like microchips, which are used in everything from computers and phones to military equipment. The two countries' national security advisers attending a seminar on trade gives some indication of the priority given to the topic.

Doval was present in the US-India Business Council (USIBC) roundtable meeting, which was organised by Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, and Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor.

The Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, emphasised India's "extraordinary ability for technological creation and absorption" alongside Doval. They also said that technology is being utilised in India to promote social inclusion in addition to economic progress. According to reports cited by news agency ANI, India's senior diplomats also emphasised the "increasing strategic convergence between both countries."

They made an effort to portray India as a reliable supply chain partner and contributor to the global value chain for technology. They said that both countries must relax export controls in order to promote more access to technology, joint manufacturing, and joint development between India and the US.

Participants at the conference highlighted the importance of microchips as a key technology and how the connection between India and the US may be crucial in developing a trustworthy semiconductor supply chain.

According to Sanjay Mehrotra, President and CEO of Micron Technology, who was reported by ANI, "It is encouraging to see the US and India prioritise the required talks and investments that would allow increased semiconductor leadership inside and across partner economies."

"The potential is boundless for both India and the US to work together to develop a semiconductor highway to service the globe," said Vinayak Dalmia, a member of the Indian business delegation.

According to Edward Knight, Executive Vice Chairman of NASDAQ and Chair of the USIBC Global Board of Directors, the US and India's pursuit of this initiative in the crucial technology sector "sends signals of confidence to the investment community" and demonstrates the growing alignment of their interests.

Industry leaders also spoke about facilitating the migration of scientists and highly trained people during the sessions.