2ND EDITION OF INDUS-X SUMMIT IN NEW DELHI, INDIA

The 2nd edition of INDUS-X Summit was jointly organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence, India and US Department of Defense (DoD) on 20-21 February, 2024 in New Delhi.

Organizers:  U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers (SIDM) organized the Summit, bringing together defense stakeholders from both countries.

Background:

1. INDUS-X initiative was launched in June 2023 to promote defense innovation by facilitating partnerships among U.S. and Indian entities.
2. INDUS-X serves as the innovation bridge envisioned by the U.S. and Indian national security advisors under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

Key Points:

Purpose of the Summit: 

1. The 2nd INDUS-X Summit aimed to promote collaboration in developing advanced military capabilities and strengthening defense supply chains.
2. Focus was on enhancing the U.S.-India military interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the USA.
4. Commercializing dual-use technologies.

Participants:

1. Stakeholders from governments, academic and research organizations, investors, defence start-ups, technology, industry associations, and other start-up enablers.

Announcements:

1. Winners of the first two INDUS-X joint challenges were announced, with companies receiving over $1 million to develop technologies related to undersea communications and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
2. Applications for 2 joint challenges focused on space-based ISR will be opened in the future.
3. Formation of a consortium committed to expanding testing facility access for defense and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network.

Key Outcomes:

1. Advance defence innovation and collaboration between India and the United States.
2. Set the stage for future technological advancements and strategic partnerships.
3. Stimulate cross-national science and technology networks.
4. Build connective tissue between domestic entrepreneurs, markets, skilling institutions, government labs, and investment capital for successful innovation ecosystems.

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