Context:

The INDUS-X defence initiative between the USA and India marks its first anniversary this year.

About INDUS-X initiative:

• INDUS-X, was launched on June 21 2023 by the U.S. Department of Defence and the Indian Ministry of Defence.
• It has advanced both countries' commitment to building a defense innovation bridge under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). 
• The third INDUS-X Summit will take place in Silicon Valley in September 2024 with a focus on harnessing private capital for defence innovation.
  The summit will be co-hosted by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University. 

About iCET

• The iCET was launched by the Indian Prime Minister and U.S. President on the sidelines of the QUAD summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022.
• The "iCET" framework aims to strengthen cooperation between India and the US in critical and emerging technologies. 
• It focuses on enhancing economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting strategic trade. 
• Under it, India is set to share its key technologies with the US, expecting reciprocal access to American technologies 

Significance of INDUS-X

• It has strengthened private sector cooperation between the United States and India by facilitating partnerships among defence technology companies, investors, and researchers.
• It sets the stage for future technological advancements and strategic partnerships, stimulating cross-national science and technology networks.

Other Key defence and security pacts of India and USA

• Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016.
• Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2017.
• Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018.
• Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.