News
The UK–India Technology Security Initiative will focus on everything from telecoms equipment to the quantum computing
This week, the UK government is deepening it strategic relationship with India, introducing a new initiative aimed enhancing the security of existing and emerging technologies.
The UK–India Technology Security Initiative, devised and agreed by the National Security Advisors of both countries, will focus on technical collaboration, fostering bilateral investment, and expanding the technology sectors in both markets.
Exactly what form this collaboration will take in practical terms was left ambiguous – as is typical for cybersecurity partnerships – but the breadth of technologies covered by the partnership is vast.
“[The Initiative] will set out a bold new approach for how the UK and India work together on the defining technologies of this decade – telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/bio tech, advanced materials and semiconductors,” explained the government in its announcement.
The agreement represents one of the first major overseas visits from new Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who has made clear his intention of deepening ties with the international community, particularly the Global South.
“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,” said Lammy. “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.”
The Secretary of State for Science, Peter Kyle, was similarly effusive about the initiative, saying the partnership 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,” he explained.
India and the UK already have a long history of collaboration when it comes to technology, including a pledge back in 2020 to work together specifically on telecoms tech.
Alongside technology partnership, the meeting also saw the issuing of a £7 million funding call for Future Telecoms research by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology, under the existing India–UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.
Join the conversation around the UK’s telecoms market and join us at Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get your ticket here!
Also in the news:
Australian Government and AWS Collaborate to Strengthen country’s Cybersecurity
Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’