iCET

The iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) is a collaborative effort between India and the United States, launched in January 2023, to strengthen ties in critical technologies and ensure security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative was announced during the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022 and emphasizes collaboration in areas such as secure technology solutions, national security, and innovation. A recent meeting in June 2024, in Hyderabad highlighted the importance of the iCET in enhancing the Indo-Pacific's future security. National Security Advisors from both countries underscored the need to collaborate with like-minded nations to provide globally reliable and cost-effective technology solutions. The iCET aligns with the broader goals of the Quad, which includes India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, aiming to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The Quad's focus extends beyond military cooperation, addressing regional challenges like maritime security, trade, global health, climate change, and infrastructure. Despite challenges such as balancing national interests and addressing China's concerns, the Quad, through initiatives like iCET, seeks to counter regional dominance by promoting a rules-based order. India plays a crucial role in shaping the Quad’s framework, ensuring it addresses a wide range of issues, from terrorism to regional stability, while emphasizing multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

• The iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) is a collaborative effort between the United States and India.
• Launched: Officially launched in January 2023(announced on the sidelines of Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022).
• Focus Areas:
  • During a recent meeting a joint statement was released which highlighted that partnership on iCET is seen as crucial for the future security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
  • National security advisor (NSA) of both the counties also highlighted the need for collaboration with like-minded nations to provide secure, reliable, and cost- effective technology solutions globally.

QUAD is comprised of four democracies: India, Australia, the United States, and Japan.
Goals: To ensure a "free, open and prosperous" Indo-Pacific region. To cooperate on issues like maritime security and trade.

• Promotes democratic values and counters authoritarianism in the Indo-Pacific.
• Provides a platform for cooperation on regional challenges and strengthens collective bargaining power.

• Boosts trade, investment, and economic prosperity through collaboration, to keep the strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific.
• Offers alternative partnerships to reduce dependence on China and diversify the economic landscape.
• Fosters innovation and technology advancement through joint research and development. E.g., (iCET).

• Ensures freedom of navigation(FoN) in the Indo-Pacific, crucial for global trade and regional security.
• Strengthens regional security architecture through cooperation on maritime issues and disaster relief.
• Enhances interoperability between QUAD forces for a coordinated response to security threats. E.g. Malabar exercise.
• Deterrence to the Chinese aggressive policies in the Indo-Pacific.

• Balancing National Interests: Coordinating the strategic goals of four countries with varying priorities can be complex.
• Internal Political Differences: Domestic political considerations and potential shifts in leadership can affect member countries' commitment to the QUAD.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Turning strategic goals into concrete actions can be slowed down by bureaucratic inefficiencies within each member nation.
• Long-Term Commitment: Maintaining a sustained level of engagement and cooperation over time can be challenging.
• Military Alliance Concerns: Some members, like India, are wary of being seen as a formal military alliance against China.
• China Factor: China views the QUAD with suspicion, potentially leading to regional tension and a potential for a "bloc mentality."

• India's Vision for the Quad: Open, constructive forum for regional security and stability. India's Ambassador to Japan, emphasised the Quad's focus on "peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region”.
• Regional Economic grouping: Not an alliance against China, but for "something positive." The Quad's joint statements avoid mentioning China directly and focus on areas of cooperation.
• Wide range forum: Addresses a wider range of issues beyond just military concerns. The Quad's recent summit (2023) included discussions on global health, infrastructure, and climate change.
• India's Concerns Addressed: Avoiding "alliance politics" to reassure Southeast Asia. This is why India likely resisted strong pronouncements against China regarding Taiwan.
• Force of Multilateralism: Focus on multilateralism aligns with India's preference. The Quad statements consistently highlight support for UN initiatives.
• Terrorism: Quad statement acknowledges India's neighbourhood concerns (terrorism). Condemned terrorism and mentioned the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, a significant concern for India.

• Indian Foreign policy narratives: Normatively shaping the Quad's framework. India's emphasis on openness, transparency, and a multipolar Indo-Pacific reflects in the Quad's approach.
• Cooperation in various areas: Expanding focus areas beyond just security. in areas like climate change and infrastructure broadens the Quad's agenda.
• Counter China measures: China's regional dominance through a rules-based order. (The Quad's promotion of international law and freedom of navigation challenges China's assertive actions.)

• Expanding Focus Areas: The Quad is moving beyond military cooperation. The recent summit included discussions on: Global health, Climate change, Critical technologies.
• Deepening Institutional Cooperation: The Quad is progressing from informal meetings to a more structured framework. eg. Expert working groups, established for each focus area to drive collaboration (e.g., health, technology).
• Delivering Tangible Results: The Quad needs to showcase its effectiveness through concrete actions such as
• More Joint maritime exercises: Demonstrating commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Infrastructure development projects: Delivering economic benefits and strengthening regional connectivity (e.g., Indo-Pacific connectivity corridors).
• Balancing Interests and Managing Disagreements: The Quad members have varying priorities; there should be a common ground to work upon in future.
• Addressing the China Challenge: Promoting a rules-based order: Countering China's disregard for international law in the South China Sea.

Regarding QUAD, what our foreign minister said is true, "We are democracies, we are market economies, we have technology, we have innovation, we have enterprise. This is the future." - S. Jaishankar.