The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a collaborative framework or initiative between India and the United States (US). It was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in May 2022 on the sidelines of the Quad meeting in Tokyo. The initiative was officially launched in January 2023 to strengthen the strategic partnership and drive technology and defense cooperation by fostering an open, secure technology ecosystem based on shared democratic values.
The mechanism is led by the National Security Council Secretariat of India and the National Security Council of the US. It operates through structured collaboration involving governments, businesses, and academic institutions, aiming to overcome regulatory barriers and align export controls. Key focus areas include co-development and co-production in Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, semiconductors, 5G/6G telecommunication, and space technologies. Specific provisions include establishing a Quantum Coordination Mechanism and a task force for the semiconductor supply chain.
iCET is connected to broader strategic efforts like the India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) and the signing of the Artemis Accords by ISRO and NASA. In a recent change, iCET was replaced by a broader, upgraded framework called the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) initiative, announced on February 13, 2025. TRUST retains iCET's core focus on AI and semiconductors but expands the scope to include new domains like critical mineral supply chains, biotechnology, and energy.