UK-INDIA TECHNOLOGY SECURITY INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, India has begun negotiations with the UK to enhance collaboration on critical minerals under the new UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).

UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI)

• About: It is a collaborative framework established between the United Kingdom and India to enhance technological security and cooperation.
• Purpose: The initiative provides a strategic framework for collaboration in critical areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
• Coordinated by: NSAs of both India and the UK
• Objective: To reduce dependency on China and to lead the global critical minerals supply chain.
• Focus Areas: The initiative focuses on developing economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies for extracting and recycling critical minerals.
• Joint Initiative: A potential establishment of a Critical Minerals Recycling Centre in India is being explored, focusing on advanced military waste recycling.
• Other initiatives are linked to the TSI:

oThe initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) with the US.

oThe Trade and Technology Council with the European Union.

Critical Minerals

• About: These are a group of minerals that are essential for various industrial sectors and have strategic importance for a country’s economy and security. 
• These minerals are characterized by their scarcity, high economic value, and criticality in the production of advanced technologies and defence systems.