Cooperation on space, AI, biotech set to get a boost

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, India's science and technology sector expects continued strong ties with the US. Despite potential shifts in approach, ongoing collaborations in space exploration, quantum computing, AI, and advanced telecommunications are likely to persist. Joint initiatives like the Nisar satellite project and the India-US Global Challenges Institute underscore the deep, consensus-driven nature of this technological partnership.

As Donald Trump prepares to occupy Oval Office for the second time, Indian science and technology sector anticipates bilateral partnership to remain robust, even as there's speculation that the leadership change may, if slightly, alter the trajectory of this cooperation. Trump takes office as India and the US are significantly expanding their tech cooperation across multiple critical and emerging sectors, with emphasis on space exploration, quantum computing, AI, and advanced telecommunications. For instance, Isro and Nasa have strengthened their space partnership, signing a joint statement in Jan 2024 to enhance collaboration on projects including ISS initiatives.

Their key joint project remains the Nisar satellite for Earth observation. Indian astronaut-designates Shubhanshu Shukla and Prashanth Nair are training in the US; Shukla will go to ISS on an Axiom Space mission. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in Jan 2023, has facilitated broader tech cooperation.

The second iCET Summit in July 2024 reviewed progress in space, semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and clean energy. The US National Science Foundation and Indian scientific departments have expanded research partnerships across multiple fields. The Sept 2023 MoU between IIT Council and Association of American Universities established the India-US Global Challenges Institute, focusing on sustainable energy, health, semiconductors, AI, & quantum science.

A K Sood, principal scientific advisor to GoI told TOI: "I don't see any major red flag or reason to expect drastic changes in S&T cooperation. These are long-standing priorities for both the countries. Our commitment to enhance technological cooperation will likely continue.

" Terming the Indo-US S&T cooperation "mature & well-established", particularly in emerging technologies, former dept of science& technology secretary Ashutosh Sharma said the cooperation is headed in a 'consensus direction'. "Areas like quantum technologies, AI, biotech, and energy would remain on track regardless of the political change," he said..