India and the US are set to enhance their strategic cooperation through the ‘INDUS-X’ summit, focusing on advancing bilateral defence innovation and collaboration.
Background:
- The ‘INDUS-X’ summit was launched in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US.
- This initiative, led by the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), aims to expand bilateral ties in defence innovation.
Objectives of the Summit:
- The summit aims to drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the US.
- It serves as a pivotal event for advancing defence innovation and collaboration, stimulating cross-national science and technology networks.
Activities and Agenda:
- The two-day summit features activities to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
- Insightful sessions are planned to chart the future trajectory of US-India defence relations.
Participants and Stakeholders:
- Stakeholders include representatives from governments, academic and research organizations, investors, defence start-ups, and industry associations.
Organizers:
- The summit is organized by India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the US Department of Defence in collaboration with the US-India Business Council and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
Recent Defence and Strategic Ties:
- The India-US defence and strategic ties have seen significant growth in recent years.
- Key pacts such as LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA have been signed, facilitating interoperability, technology sharing, and logistics cooperation between the two countries.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was the ‘INDUS-X’ summit initiated?
- A) June 2022
- B) June 2023
- C) July 2024
- D) August 2021
- Answer: B) June 2023
- Which organizations are organizing the ‘INDUS-X’ summit?
- A) NATO and UNICEF
- B) iDEX and US Department of Defence
- C) WHO and Greenpeace
- D) UNESCO and Red Cross
- Answer: B) iDEX and US Department of Defence
- What is the objective of the ‘INDUS-X’ summit?
- A) To promote cultural exchange between India and the US
- B) To enhance bilateral trade relations
- C) To drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation
- D) To organize a sports event
- Answer: C) To drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation
- Which agreement allows the militaries of India and the US to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies?
- A) BECA
- B) COMCASA
- C) LEMOA
- D) NAFTA
- Answer: C) LEMOA
- Which pact provides for sharing high-end military technology, logistics, and geospatial maps between India and the US?
- A) BECA
- B) LEMOA
- C) COMCASA
- D) GATT
- Answer: A) BECA