| | FEBRUARY 20248IN FOCUSUS HIGHLIGHTS INDIA AS KEY SOUTH ASIAN PARTNER IN JOINT INITIATIVESIndia has become a pivotal partner for the United States in South Asia, according to the Biden administration. Afreen Akhter, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, outlined collaborative efforts, citing the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). Launched in 2022, iCET aims to fortify the semiconductor supply chain, advance space cooperation, and collaborate on cutting-edge telecommunications.The partnership extends to climate and infra-structure projects. The US, in conjunction with In-dia, is working on multi-billion-dollar climate infra-structure initiatives. A notable component is a new fund, including a $ 500 million investment from the US Development Finance Corporation. This collaboration encompasses diverse projects, such as the introduction of 40,000 public electric buses through an innovative payment security mecha-nism.The defense partnership between the US and India is deepening, evident through joint exercises, strengthened defense industrial cooperation, and the annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Defense coop-eration is a key facet of the Indo-Pacific strategy.Highlighting broader regional engagement, the US is making substantial investments in South Asia. A significant investment in the Port of Colom-bo in Sri Lanka, announced in the fall of the previ-ous year, aims to expand capacity and elevate Sri Lanka's economic standing in the region.Furthermore, the US is actively involved in enhancing regional security. Recent initiatives in-clude providing patrol boats to the Maldives for monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones and deliver-ing Coast Guard cutters to Sri Lanka.The comprehensive collaboration emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the US-India relation-ship, spanning critical technologies, climate initia-tives, and regional security for mutual benefit.
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