US - India TRUST Initiative (formerly iCET) | Principal Scientific Adviser

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Introduction

Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) is the evolved form of the earlier iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology). Announced during PM Modi’s working visit to Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2025, TRUST retains iCET’s core focus on semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, and expands into new domains - such as critical mineral supply chains, biotechnology, energy, and space technologies.

A central component is the AI Infrastructure Roadmap, providing market access, investments, and infrastructure to accelerate U.S.–origin AI build out in India. TRUST is also pursuing deeper collaboration in critical minerals (e.g. lithium, rare earth), pharmaceutical APIs, and supply chain resilience. The initiative is jointly steered by National Security Advisors of both countries and anchored in a wide-ranging strategic roadmap for sustainable innovation and industry partnership.

In 2022, the U.S.–India partnership inaugurated the iCET, focused on cooperation in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, wireless communication, especially for defence and security applications.

During Prime Minister Modi’s official working visit to Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2025, President Trump and PM Modi announced the replacement of iCET with a broader, upgraded TRUST framework. Officially launched in a seven-page joint statement, the initiative reaffirmed the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership built on mutual trust, shared interests, and robust cooperation.

Objectives & Scope of TRUST

TRUST significantly expands the scope of iCET by introducing new domains of cooperation:

1
Strategic and critical minerals, especially lithium and rare earth elements—including recovery, recycling, supply chains, and enabling investment frameworks.
2
Defence, Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space technology partnerships.
3
A U.S.–India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure to enable investments, partnerships, financing, power and connectivity support for large-scale AI infrastructure in India.
4
Promoting verified technology suppliers, technology protection & export control reforms while easing barriers to trade and investment in key sectors.

Strategic Components

AI Infrastructure Roadmap

A flagship element of TRUST, focused on enabling U.S.–origin AI infrastructure development in India by identifying constraints in financing, power, connectivity, and regulatory approvals. Milestones were expected by end 2025 with active preparations in early 2025.

Critical Minerals Collaboration

TRUST formalizes a bilateral initiative between India and the U.S. involving recovery, processing, and recycling of strategic minerals such as lithium and rare earth, which are vital for technologies and supply chain resilience.

Innovation Bridge via INDUS Innovation / INDUS X

Builds upon existing collaboration platforms (like INDUS X) to foster industry academia partnerships in emerging tech domains including space, biotech, and energy.

Supply Chain Security & De risking

Efforts under TRUST include reducing reliance on Chinese pharmaceutical APIs and strategic minerals, while inviting U.S. investments in Indian sectors, particularly biopharma and semiconductors.