The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit starts today at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. This two-day event will focus on enhancing partnerships between India and the US in the field of defense innovation. The summit, running from September 9-10, is themed "Harnessing Investment Opportunities to Enhance Cross-Border Defense Innovation Ecosystems."

Organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, the summit aims to highlight the importance of private investment in advancing defense technologies. It will bring together key defense policymakers from both Washington and New Delhi.

The event will feature sessions with leaders from both the public and private sectors, covering topics such as strengthening defense partnerships, funding innovation, and building resilient supply chains. The summit will also facilitate interactions between Indian and American defense innovators, including startups, venture capitalists, and industry experts.

INDUS-X, which stands for the enhanced strategic and defense partnership between India and the US, was first launched on June 21, 2023. It was initiated by the US Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defence during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington, DC.

The defense ties between India and the US have strengthened significantly in recent years. Key agreements include the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, which allows military bases to be used for repair and supply replenishment; the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, which enhances interoperability and facilitates high-tech sales; and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in October 2020, which supports the sharing of military technology and geospatial data.

During a recent visit to Washington, DC, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. Both leaders praised the INDUS-X initiative for its role in strengthening defense innovation ties between the two nations. Singh emphasized the summit’s role in fostering crucial partnerships and innovations in the defense sector.

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