UK-India Technology Security Initiative: A New Outlook on Tech and Security Cooperation
Rohan Barad | 21 February 2025
Summary
UK and India launched the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) in July 2024, focusing on seven key tech areas: telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
Deputy National Security Advisors of the UK and India recently met in London to assess TSI developments. These developments will boost collaboration in critical technologies, and enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
TSI will create robust collaborations, the establishment of the world's first map of the global supply chain of critical minerals, which provides real-time supply chain data for the UK and India is the most recent example of such a partnership.
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), launched in July 2024, marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations. This comprehensive initiative aims to elevate collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, focusing on seven key areas: telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
Complementing the TSI, major defence agreements form the core of UK-India cooperation in military technologies. During Aero India 2025 in February 2025, the UK and India signed several defence agreements, including the formal launch of Defence Partnership–India (DP-I), which establishes a dedicated programme office within the UK's Ministry of Defence to strengthen bilateral defence collaboration. Additionally, Thales (UK) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a contract to deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), further solidifying UK-Indian defence technology cooperation.
The TSI builds upon the India-UK Roadmap 2030, establishing new mechanisms for cooperation while reinforcing existing collaborative efforts. Coordinated by the National Security Advisors of both countries, with progress reviewed biannually, the initiative seeks to foster a technology value chain between the UK and India.
The TSI represents a strategic shift in UK-India relations, prioritising collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. The initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem for joint innovation and development across various tech sectors. This partnership includes knowledge sharing, building resilient supply chains, fostering innovation, and shaping global tech governance.
A key aspect of the TSI is its focus on creating bilateral mechanisms to promote trade in critical technologies and address regulatory challenges. This approach recognises the importance of not just technological cooperation, but also the need for a supportive policy environment. By involving both industry and academia in shaping the initiative, the TSI aims to create a holistic ecosystem that can drive innovation and economic growth in both countries.
The initiative's broad scope covers areas from telecommunications to advanced materials. In telecoms, for instance, the partnership between the UK's SONIC Labs and India's Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) aims to boost network security and performance, with a focus on Open RAN systems. Similarly, in critical minerals, the plan to establish a community with experts from academia, innovation, and industry experts demonstrates a commitment to addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
Perhaps most notably, the TSI places significant emphasis on emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. The planned creation of a joint Centre for Responsible AI underscores both countries' commitment to developing safe, ethical, and human-centric AI technologies. The initiative proposes joint hackathons and entrepreneurship training in quantum technology, signalling a focus on practical applications and commercialisation of quantum capabilities.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, CC BY 2.0
Forecast
Short-term
It is likely that new bilateral initiatives will be established and existing cooperation across the seven key areas will accelerate. Formal Launch of
Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and multiple collaborations on defence technologies between UK and Indian companies during Aero India 2025 is a by-product of this initiative.
Medium-term
The development of a robust UK-India semiconductor partnership will likely focus on R&D collaboration and supply chain resilience. Opportunities include enhanced innovation, diversified supply chains, and job creation in both countries' tech sectors. However, risks involve regulatory alignment challenges and competition from established semiconductor hubs. Developments may include the launch of joint research programs, such as the UK-India research programme on Future Telecoms planned in 2024
Long-term
The partnership is likely to play a role in shaping global tech governance frameworks, leveraging the combined influence of the UK and India in international forums. The ongoing AI Actions Summit in Paris might see outgoing partnerships fostered by TSI. Increased resilience and diversification of critical technology supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals, may result from this long-term collaboration.