UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his inaugural visit to India, marking a significant stride towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in semiconductor technology.
Lammy held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in defence, security, trade, and investment.
“We will work towards a broad UK-India semiconductor partnership. Our activities will leverage the countries’ individual strengths and incentives; and explore mutually beneficial R&D focused on strategic issues such as supply chain resilience collaboration, skills exchanges and hardware security,” a joint statement released by the MEA said.
“The UK and India recognise that quantum is an important area for discussion. We will respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape by establishing a high-level dialogue to gain an in-depth understanding of our national quantum strategies, to shape the contours of possible future research and industry and collaboration opportunities between our two countries,” the release said.
Key components of the initiative include:
R&D Collaboration: Joint efforts in chip design, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging, with a focus on applications vital to both nations’ interests, such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies.
Workforce Development: Exchange programs to equip the semiconductor workforce with advanced technical skills, ensuring readiness for future industry demands.
Trade and Investment: Facilitation of trade missions between UK and Indian semiconductor companies to stimulate bilateral trade flows and strengthen economic ties.
Supply Chain Integration: Encouragement of deeper integration in semiconductor chip and wafer manufacturing, fostering joint ventures and business partnerships between Indian and UK companies.
Security and Resilience: Collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, addressing challenges related to raw materials, components, and device security through expert consultations and international cooperation.
Lammy is scheduled to travel from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos, where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health.
(ANI)
