On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) jointly launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to Washington, D.C. This initiative aims to build a defense innovation bridge between the two countries under the umbrella
of the Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) initiative.
Achievements of INDUS-X
1. Commercial Collaborations: INDUS-X has fostered commercial collaborations between defense companies from both nations across various domains, including intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and semiconductors.
2. Joint Innovation Funding: The initiative has explored modalities for joint innovation funding, encouraging cross-country investment in defense technologies.
3. Indus-X Gurukul: A hybrid information series has been established to support U.S. and Indian defense start-ups, providing valuable insights and knowledge sharing.
4. Industry-Academia Linkage: INDUS-X facilitates the exchange of best practices related to technology transfer, licensing, and research in emerging defense technology domains.
India-U.S. Defence Technology Cooperation
1. Major Defence Partner: In 2016, the U.S. designated India as a “Major Defence Partner,” signaling a deepening strategic relationship.
2. Key Agreements: Several defense agreements have been signed, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, Communications Compatibility
and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Industrial Security Agreement in 2019, and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.
3. iCET Framework: INDUS-X operates within the overarching framework of iCET, covering both commercial and defense technologies.
4. Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation: The U.S.- India roadmap aims to fast-track technology cooperation and co-production in areas of mutual interest. It aligns with strategic objectives for a free, open, and rules-based Indo- Pacific region.
5. Addressing Strategic Challenges: INDUS-X plays a crucial role in addressing strategic challenges arising from China’s emergence as a major player in the global defense landscape.
6. New Defence Domains: The initiative focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, including Space Force, AI applications in defense, and maritime domain awareness.
As INDUS-X enters its second year, the White House has announced that the third INDUS-X Summit will take place in Silicon Valley in September 2024. The summit, co-hosted by the U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, will emphasize harnessing private capital for defense innovation.
The INDUS-X initiative stands as a testament to the growing partnership between India and the U.S., fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic resilience in the ever-evolving global security landscape.