iDEX & Defence Innovation Unit ink MoU to increase co-operation in defence innovation

The summit, organized by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, brought together key stakeholders to further the collaborative effort in defence technology.

The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit, held on 9-10 September 2024 in the United States, has marked a significant advancement in the joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the USA. The summit, organized by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, brought together key stakeholders to further the collaborative effort in defence technology.

A notable development from the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) of the US Department of Defense. This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in defence innovation and promote deeper industry, research, and investment partnerships.

The summit also saw the announcement of a new challenge under the INDUS-X initiative, the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report, and the launch of the official INDUS-X webpage on the iDEX and DIU websites. These efforts are designed to showcase next-generation technologies and foster critical dialogue through the Senior Advisory Group and Senior Leaders Forum—two advisory bodies under INDUS-X.

Discussions at the summit covered various topics, including future technology trends, capacity building for startups, funding opportunities for defence innovations, and strengthening defence supply chains. The event featured contributions from experts across the defence industry, investment firms, startups, academia, think tanks, accelerators, and policymakers from both nations.

Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion) Sh. Amit Satija, who led the Indian delegation, emphasized that the third edition of the INDUS-X Summit reaffirms the commitment of both countries to advancing defence technology through innovation and strategic collaboration.

The INDUS-X initiative, spearheaded by iDEX on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Defence and DIU under the U.S. Department of Defense, has made significant progress since its launch during the Prime Minister’s State visit to the United States in June 2023.