SOURCE: AFI
The United States and India are joining forces to hold a critical summit focused on propelling defense innovation. The INDUS-X Investor Summit, scheduled for September in Silicon Valley, will bring together stakeholders to leverage private capital and accelerate advancements in the defense sector.
This summit marks a significant step forward for the INDUS-X initiative, a collaborative effort between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defense. Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, emphasized the summit’s objective: “harnessing private capital for defense innovation.”
The INDUS-X initiative was established to foster deeper collaboration on critical and emerging technologies (iCET) between the US and India. The success of the two previous summits, held in Washington and New Delhi, has paved the way for this investor-focused event.
The Pentagon acknowledged that the first year of INDUS-X has demonstrably strengthened private sector cooperation in defense technology. By facilitating partnerships between companies, investors, and researchers, the initiative has laid the groundwork for enhanced innovation in both nations.
The selection of Silicon Valley, a global hub for innovation and investment, as the venue for the summit is a strategic move. This location will provide an ideal platform for connecting defense startups with potential investors and fostering cross-border partnerships.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University will co-host the INDUS-X Investor Summit. Their combined expertise in industry collaboration and academic research will undoubtedly contribute to the summit’s success.