Jun 22, 2024
India-US Collaboration on Semiconductors and Critical Minerals
India and the United States have deepened their cooperation on supply chains, semiconductors, and critical minerals during the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) meeting held in New Delhi. This strategic partnership aims to bolster both nations’ technological and industrial capabilities and is further reinforced by their collaboration within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING
1. Strategic Semiconductor Partnership:
• A new partnership between General Atomics and 3rdiTech will focus on co-developing semiconductor design and manufacturing processes for precision-guided ammunition and other national security-focused electronics platforms.
• This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance India’s semiconductor and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
2. Supply Chain and Critical Minerals:
• India and the US have agreed to work together to ensure a reliable supply of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies and other vital industries.
• Both countries will co-invest in lithium and rare earth projects, aiming to diversify and secure critical mineral supply chains.
3. Semiconductor Readiness Assessment:
• A joint Semiconductor Readiness Assessment has been completed through a partnership between the US Semiconductor Industry Association and the India Electronics Semiconductor Association. This assessment identifies near-term industry opportunities and facilitates the strategic development of complementary semiconductor ecosystems.
4. Semiconductor Manufacturing Projects in India:
• India has approved three semiconductor plant proposals, with an estimated investment of Rs 1.26 lakh crore. These projects are expected to significantly boost India’s electronics manufacturing sector.
• Key projects include collaborations between Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) in Gujarat, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) in Assam, and CG Power with Japan’s Renesas Electronics Corp. and Thailand’s Stars Microelectronics in Gujarat.
5. Advanced Materials R&D Forum:
• An India-US Advanced Materials R&D Forum will be established to enhance cooperation among universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers from both countries.
6. Collaboration on Critical Minerals:
• The US and India will promote India’s role in the Mineral Security Partnership, including co-investing in a lithium resource project in South America and a rare earths deposit in Africa.
• Collaborative efforts will focus on technologies for Neodymium-iron-boron metal, alloy, and magnet making, as well as research studies on the beneficiation of critical minerals like lithium, titanium, gallium, and vanadium.
7. Geological Surveys Collaboration:
• A collaborative program will be developed between the Geological Survey of India and the US Geological Survey to explore, characterize, and evaluate rare earth elements and critical mineral deposits.
8. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF):
• India and the US are leveraging the IPEF to enhance regional economic cooperation, particularly in supply chain resilience and technology standards. This framework supports efforts to create a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
• The IPEF facilitates collaboration in emerging technologies, digital trade, and sustainable economic practices, further strengthening the bilateral relationship and regional stability.
CONCLUSION
The enhanced cooperation between India and the US on semiconductors, critical minerals, and through the IPEF marks a significant step towards building resilient supply chains and advancing technological capabilities. This partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in both countries’ economic and strategic interests, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
SRIRAM’S
