Amid the United States’ clampdown on China’s access to high-tech inventions, it was revealed that the country has adopted a military-civil fusion strategy. Thea D Rozman Kendler, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, conveyed this news while speaking to the media in New Delhi, India. She had travelled to the country to build upon US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s visit last month. With Indian government officials and the industry, the US assistant had discussed dual-use export controls issues to finalize the US-India Strategic Trade Dialogue to be held in Washington next month.
The US did not want technology to be used to harm global peace and security, stressing that the two countries had a similar security outlook and shared common values. Rozman Kendler also pointed out that it was difficult for companies to track who the end user was, making it hard for firms to prevent information, such as advanced electronics, from reaching military entities.
To reduce costs and create jobs, the US enacted the CHIPS and Science Act. Resulting from this act, numerous companies invested billions into American semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) createdthe Entity List. The aim was to restrict China’s acquisition of artificial intelligence and supercomputing. China has been expanding its reach in supercomputing, AI, and quantum technology while also utilizing it to monitor its citizens and modernize the military.
In May 2022, US President Joe Biden announced the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which was established by the USCommerceSecretaryGinaRaimondoandExternalAffairsMinisterSJaishankar. The Commercial Dialogue between the two countries launched the Semiconductor Sub-Committee to facilitate technology transfer.
The Working Group on Talent, Innovation and Inclusive Growth was also established at that time to identify regulatory hurdles and further consolidate the already existing innovation partnership. The inaugural meeting of iCET was held in January this year and was led by the United States and Indian National Security Advisors.
Despite the difficult international climate, the US-India trade serves as an example of the ever-strengthening partnership between the two countries. It also reflects their commitment to global peace and security as both countries continue to cooperate and collaborate on high technology trade and advanced research.
