Emerging tech alliance: India joins US and South Korea in groundbreaking trilateral dialogue

In an impactful initiative aimed at enhancing technological cooperation and innovation, India, the United States, and South Korea have jointly declared the formation of an informal "trilateral technology dialogue." Scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2024, this initiative marks a strategic alignment of three key global players in the realm of technology.

The announcement coincides with the inaugural Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Dialogue between Washington and Seoul. This dialogue aims to foster enhanced cooperation and consultation on critical technologies, paving the way for the inclusion of India in this crucial tripartite arrangement.

Meeting in Seoul on December 8, 2023, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong agreed to hold National Security Council and National Security Office-led consultations with like-minded partners on critical and emerging technologies including through launching an informal trilateral technology dialogue with India in the first quarter of 2024.

This development is a natural progression of India's ongoing efforts to forge partnerships with technologically advanced nations. A notable example is the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), launched jointly by India and the US in 2022. iCET is designed to deepen cooperation in strategic and defense technologies, encompassing sectors ranging from private industry to academia.

The emphasis on technology collaboration was also a focal point in the bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Yoon Seok-Yeol on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in September this year. The two leaders reviewed advancements in various sectors, including trade, investment, defense production, semiconductor technology, and electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, emphasizing on the comprehensive nature of the bilateral Special Strategic Partnership.

South Korea's interest in strengthening technological ties with India has been evident, with the upcoming visit of President Yoon to India in early 2024. This visit is likely to revolve around enhancing the technological cooperation between the two nations.

The trilateral technology dialogue is primed to have significant economic ramifications. This collaboration is expected to catalyze advancements in global tech markets, potentially reshaping manufacturing landscapes and fostering job creation across these nations. The convergence of technological prowess from these countries could lead to increased investments, boost exports, and encourage the establishment of new tech hubs. This in turn could stimulate economic growth, offering a competitive edge in the global market and potentially setting new standards in tech development and innovation.

FOCUS AREAS OF TECHNOLOGY 

The dialogue is anticipated to concentrate on cutting-edge technological spheres such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Biotechnology. Collaboration in AI could lead to breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms and smart applications, impacting sectors from healthcare to defense. Quantum Computing promises advancements in computing power, potentially revolutionizing data processing and cybersecurity. 

Biotechnology cooperation could accelerate innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The synergy from these focus areas is expected to drive, both technological progression and address pressing global challenges.

On a broader scale, the India-US-South Korea tech dialogue could significantly influence the global tech race, particularly with major powers like China and the European Union. This alliance may act as a counterbalance to China's growing tech influence, especially in areas like 5G and AI. For the European Union and other tech-developing regions, this could mean heightened competition but also potential avenues for collaboration. The impact on smaller countries, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, could be profound, setting new standards for tech partnerships and possibly reshaping regional tech alliances

Earlier dialogues set the stage for this tripartite agreement. Notably, discussions during the meeting between India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in Seoul this August emphasized the importance of technology in bilateral ties. Minister Park's visit to India in April also centered on enhancing trade, investment, and technological cooperation.

The new India-US-Korea dialogue mechanism represents one of India's first diplomatic endeavors focusing specifically on technology cooperation. It complements India's participation in the Quad, where it collaborates with other member nations on advanced technologies such as 5G and 6G.

However, the trilateral initiative is not without its potential challenges. Issues such as technology transfer and the management of intellectual property rights will be critical, with each country looking to protect its interests while fostering a spirit of collaboration. Additionally, balancing this trilateral alliance with each country's existing bilateral relations and commitments could present diplomatic and strategic challenges. There's also the concern of how such a collaboration aligns with international regulations and standards, necessitating a delicate balance between innovation, competition, and compliance.

But at the end of the day, this trilateral initiative presents the growing significance of technology as a pillar of international relations and strategic partnerships. It sets a new paradigm in the global technology landscape, with India, the US, and South Korea poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of technological innovation and cooperation.