India and US boost military tech alliance ahead of PM Modi’s visit

India and the United States have reaffirmed military tech alliance at the third edition of the INDUS-X Summit in California. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming US visit, India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) of US Department of Defense signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the summit, signalling a vital step forward in military ties.

The MoU aims at furthering cooperation in defence-related innovation, research and investment between the nations with focus on artificial intelligence, drone technology and cybersecurity.

Among highlights at this year’s INDUS-X Summit was the introduction of a programme aimed at encouraging startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to come up with new technologies for the defence sector.

The INDUS-X Impact Report, showcasing the annual event’s progress since it was held for the first time in June 2023, was launched at the Summit, too, along with the official INDUS-X page on the iDEX and DIU websites.

PM Modi, during his upcoming US visit, is expected to discuss strategic issues related to defence among other important topics with President Joe Biden. Experts feel the MoU signed at the INDUS-X Summit should go a long way in fostering ties between the two nations as far as defence technology is concerned.

Launched during PM Modi’s 2023 visit to the US, the annual INDUS-X Summit has helped in boosting defence collaboration between the two countries, besides promote defence innovations. The summit unites experts of the two countries who belong to the defence sector and the academic field, along with policymakers and startup entrepreneurs.