New Delhi: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has unveiled the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first official visit to India, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in semiconductor technology. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
“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,” read a joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“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 joint statement added.
Key points of the initiative include:
1. Focus on semiconductor technology collaboration, including R&D, supply chain resilience, skills development, and hardware security.
2. Joint efforts in chip design, compound semiconductors, and advanced packaging, with applications in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies.
3. Workforce development through exchange programs to equip the semiconductor industry with advanced technical skills.
4. Facilitation of trade missions between UK and Indian semiconductor companies to boost bilateral trade and economic ties.
5. Encouragement of deeper integration in semiconductor manufacturing, fostering joint ventures between Indian and UK companies.
6. Collaborative efforts to enhance semiconductor supply chain resilience and security.
The initiative also encompasses plans for cooperation in quantum computing and biotechnology, with both countries committing to deepen dialogues and collaborations in these emerging fields.
During his visit, Lammy met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss expanding collaborative efforts in defence, security, trade, and investment. The Technology Security Initiative is seen as a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, leveraging India’s manufacturing capabilities and the UK’s expertise in chip design and intellectual property.
This announcement is part of a broader package agreed upon to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The timing of the visit, within the first month of the new UK government’s formation, underscores the commitment of both sides to further deepen and diversify their strategic relationship.
Following his India visit, Lammy is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos, where he will focus on advancing UK economic partnerships and unveiling new cooperation initiatives on climate and health.
