India and the United States are joining forces in a comprehensive collaborative effort that spans various fields, including space exploration. This ambitious partnership was highlighted during a bilateral meeting between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
One of the significant milestones in this collaboration is the plan to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. President Biden expressed excitement about the joint venture, emphasizing that India and the US are working together on human space flight initiatives. This endeavor aligns with India’s ambitious Gaganyaan project, which aims to conduct its maiden human space flight to a low Earth orbit by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Prime Minister Modi also announced India’s decision to sign the Artemis Accords, a non-binding set of principles based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. Led by the United States, the Artemis Accords serve as a guiding framework for civil space exploration in the 21st century. By joining the Accords, India solidifies its commitment to space cooperation and demonstrates its enthusiasm to participate in future space missions, including the American-led initiative to return humans to the moon by 2025 and explore Mars and beyond.
The collaboration between India and the US extends beyond space exploration. In the semiconductor industry, US companies are partnering with India to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem that promotes supply chain diversification. Micron Technology, with the support of the Indian National Semiconductor Mission, has pledged over $800 million for a semiconductor assembly and test facility in India. This investment, combined with additional financial support from Indian authorities, amounts to a total investment of $2.75 billion. This partnership will help strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities and contribute to global supply chain resilience.
Moreover, US companies such as Applied Materials and Lamb Research are actively contributing to India’s semiconductor workforce development goals through innovation centers and training programs. These initiatives aim to nurture a skilled workforce and foster technological innovation in the semiconductor sector.
Addressing the critical minerals and mineral security domain, the United States expressed support for India’s membership in the Mineral Security Partnership. Led by the US State Department, this partnership focuses on strengthening critical minerals supply chains to ensure both countries have adequate access to these essential resources. Critical minerals play a vital role in achieving climate, economic, and strategic technology goals.
The collaboration between India and the US in space exploration, semiconductor development, mineral security, advanced computing, telecommunications, and higher education underscores the mutual commitment to strengthen ties and foster innovation. These joint efforts hold great promise for both countries, creating new opportunities and advancing scientific and technological frontiers.
