The Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence convened for the second India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit in the national capital. The discussions centered on bolstering military interoperability to advance the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

During the summit, the speakers explored opportunities for collaboration in co-producing advanced military capabilities and establishing robust defence supply chains.

The US Department of Defence stated, “that panel participants elaborated on various themes derived from the initial INDUS-X collaboration agenda.”

These included strengthening defence industrial partnerships, expanding access to collaborative research and testing facilities, leveraging private capital for crucial defence technologies, and advancing the commercialization of dual-use technologies.

Additionally, both governments led a hybrid information session on export controls for US and Indian defence startups aiming to establish partnerships and jointly develop technology.

The summit featured announcements on key initiatives under INDUS-X, including joint challenges. The Defence Innovation Unit and Innovations for Defence Excellence revealed the winners of the first two INDUS-X joint challenges, where companies competed to develop technologies addressing military issues for both countries' defence ministries.

In a competitive selection process supported by military service partners and both governments, 10 US and Indian companies have been awarded over USD 1 million each. Their task is to develop technologies related to undersea communications and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

At the Summit, DIU and iDEX revealed plans to launch two joint challenges centered on space-based ISR soon. Additionally, US entities introduced a consortium aimed at broadening access to testing facilities. This initiative will facilitate defense and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network to refine and integrate their technologies across premier testing ranges in India and the US.

The Summit included a meeting of two advisory bodies: the bilateral Senior Advisory Group and the inaugural INDUS-X Senior Leaders Forum. The former guides future cooperation, while the latter brings together leaders from various sectors to provide feedback for the initiative's direction.

The US-India Business Council and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers hosted a Summit for defense stakeholders. INDUS-X, launched in June 2023 by the Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence, aims to drive defense innovation through partnerships. India and the US have issued an INDUS-X Fact Sheet outlining progress and key priorities.

Image source: ANI