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UK-India announce Technology Security Initiative
The tech initiative is part of a broader package of agreements the UK Foreign Secretary reached following bilateral meetings in New Delhi.
FS David Lammy with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi / X/@narendramodi
The United Kingdom and India on July.24 signed a technology security initiative to unlock investment in emerging technologies and provide critical collaboration on telecommunications security.
The agreement was announced during UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first visit to India. In New Delhi, Lammy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other senior leaders to discuss the bilateral collaboration.
According to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the initiative has been agreed upon by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries after negotiations. It aims to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies across priority sectors.
This initiative will establish a “bold new approach” for the UK and India to work together on defining technologies in telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum computing, health/biotech, advanced materials, and semiconductors.
The FCDO stated that the tech initiative is part of a broader package of agreements the UK Foreign Secretary reached following bilateral meetings in New Delhi, including with his counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. These efforts aim to “refresh” the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“This government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. That’s why three weeks into the job, I am in Delhi announcing a new Technology Security Initiative to deliver on the promise of the UK-India relationship,” Lammy said.
“This will mean real action together on the challenges of the future from AI to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs, and investment. We are also accelerating our joint work on the climate crisis – ensuring brighter, safer futures for Brits and Indians. This government is reconnecting Britain for our security and prosperity at home,” he added.
Additionally, a new GBP 7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.
Secretary of State for Science Peter Kyle commented, “The UK and India are recognised the world over as powerhouses for science, innovation and technology – and this new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens across both nations.
“From telecoms and semiconductors to biotechnology and AI, these generation-defining technologies will unlock countless new opportunities and innovations, so we can deliver for working people here and in India as we deepen our long-standing partnership.”
Lammy and Jaishankar have also agreed to deepen their partnership on climate issues, including mobilising finance and unlocking new clean growth opportunities. This includes strengthening the bilateral investment partnership to support pioneering Indian enterprises working on climate and technology. These initiatives focus on delivering green development while empowering women, the FCDO noted.
In addition to work on offshore wind and green hydrogen, the UK and India have agreed to “deepen” their partnership on forests and on building resilient cities of the future.
UK-India FTA
India is committed to concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Our FTA negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests in the green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security," Lammy said ahead of his visit to New Delhi.
Lammy, who described India as the “emerging superpower of the 21st century," will also reinforce Britain’s commitment to securing an FTA that benefits both sides, the high commission said.
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