The US Department of Defence and the Indian Ministry of Defence launched the India – US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) at an event hosted by the US – India Business Council. 

Launched against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit to the White House and at a time of historic momentum in respect of the relationship between the United States and India, INDUS-X will vitalize the defence industrial cooperation between the two countries and unlock new innovations in technology and manufacturing. 

During his keynote at #INDUSX being hosted at @USChamber, @SecAFOfficial Frank Kendall states that the "strategic logic" of 🇺🇸🇮🇳 is "imminently clear" and emphasizes that we have to "seize the moment" pic.twitter.com/yS4nn274Uw

— U.S.-India Business Council (@USIBC) June 21, 2023

INDUS-X will create jobs for families in both countries and promote global peace, security and prosperity, according to an announcement by the US Department of Defence. 

The event convened representatives from more than 30 US and Indian start-ups as well as government, business, academic and spiritual leaders for wide-ranging discussions to advance cutting-edge technology cooperation between the two nations’ defence industrial ecosystems.

Following the launch event, the US Department of Defence and the Indian Ministry of Defence welcomed an ambitious collaboration agenda that outlines the initiatives INDUS-X stakeholders intend to spearhead. 

These initiatives complement existing government-to-government collaboration and include joint prize challenges for start-ups, roundtable events, mentor-protégé initiatives between major primes and start-ups as well as the formation of a Senior Advisory Group.

In engagements throughout the day, US and Indian officials affirmed that INDUS-X will catalyze innovation and help equip both countries’ Armed Forces with the capabilities they need to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Also read: USA – India | Agreement on defence industrial cooperation plan

A highlight of the event was the joint showcasing of innovative technologies by 15 Indian start-ups and 10 US start-ups across various domains, including maritime, AI, autonomous systems and space. The exhibition provided a platform for Indian and US stakeholders to witness cutting-edge advancements and explore potential collaborations.

The recent launch of iCET (India – US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) was a landmark event in India-US relationship. Its objective is to elevate and expand India-US strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses and academic institutions of the two countries. 

This initiative along with INDUS-X will help forge links between the government, academia and industry in areas such as AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, biotech, space and semiconductors. It has the potential for synergistic partnerships between the two countries in driving innovation and mutual growth.

By fostering co-development, co-production and deepening collaborations, INDUS-X paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership, contributing to the advancement of defence technologies and strengthening the strategic ties between the two nations.

Also read: USA – INDIA | The “Hybrid” F-21 Fighter Jet – VIDEO