India US Cooperation in Quantum Tech

During the second meeting of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) held in New Delhi on June 18th , 2024, both India and the US have agreed to initiate new cooperation in the field of quantum science and technology, as well as to develop a joint strategic framework for optimizing the biopharmaceutical supply chain.

Key Points

Since its inception in January 2023, iCET has driven significant progress in several pivotal technology sectors like exploration, semiconductor technology, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, and clean energy.
The two countries will forge public-private cooperation between India’s Bharat 6G Alliance and the US Next G Alliance for Open RAN field trails and roll-outs in both countries
The two countries have agreed to start new cooperation in quantum science and technology by launching a post-quantum cryptography workshop at University of California, Los Angeles and facilitating visits of Indian technical experts to US national laboratories and quantum institutions.
The two countries have also decided to expand cooperation in quantum communication, post-quantum migration and security, and Digital Twins technology.
They will also work to foster joint research and development to generate public good through the commercialization of technology.
They also agreed to combine capabilities in the field of biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
The two countries will partner to deploy high-quality, cost-effective Open RAN technology at scale. This includes a USD 5 million USAID Edge Fund grant to Qualcomm and Mavenir to test the ORAN stack in India with Bharti Airtel, and an additional USD 9.4 million contribution from Qualcomm.