India and UK Deepen Frontier Tech Cooperation Under TSI Framework

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will host an exclusive UK-India Semiconductor Roundtable on September 26, 2025, in London. This meeting marks a key step in strengthening bilateral cooperation under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The roundtable aims to identify opportunities and challenges in the semiconductor sector while fostering business-to-business connections ahead of the UK Prime Minister’s expected visit to India later this year.

Overview of the Initiative

Launched in July 2024, the UK-India TSI represents a landmark partnership designed to harness frontier technologies for economic growth and national security. Coordinated by the National Security Advisors of both countries, the initiative provides a framework for collaboration across seven critical technology domains. Recognizing the central role of technology in security and development, the Prime Ministers of both nations envisioned TSI as a platform to elevate their strategic partnership to new heights.

The framework reinforces existing collaboration while broadening mandates of earlier mechanisms and creating fresh avenues for cooperation.

Key Technology Domains

The TSI covers seven priority sectors:

• Telecommunications: Both countries are advancing the Future Telecoms Partnership focused on Open RAN, testbed linkups, telecom security, spectrum innovation, and software architecture. Collaboration between the UK’s SONIC Labs and India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) aims to enhance security and resilience of networks.

  
  

• Semiconductors: A central area of cooperation, the partnership leverages each country’s strengths in research, development, and manufacturing. Joint efforts include supply chain resilience, skills exchange, and R&D in chip design, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging, and secure hardware systems.

  
  

• Artificial Intelligence: The initiative supports responsible AI development and global governance. Both nations coordinate on digital technical standards, internet governance, and multilingualism through Internationalized Domain Names.

  
  

• Other Sectors: Critical Minerals, Quantum Technology, Health/Biotechnology, and Advanced Materials also receive significant attention for research collaboration, technology transfer, and commercial partnerships.

Economic Opportunities

The TSI aims to unlock investment in emerging technologies while fostering technology value chain partnerships. A bilateral mechanism led by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government promotes trade, addresses regulatory hurdles, and ensures smoother licensing.

The framework connects research institutions, incubators, and innovation ecosystems across both countries, creating joint platforms for industry and academia. Regular trade and research missions stimulate engagement between companies, particularly in telecom and semiconductor industries.

Implementation and Collaboration

Progress under TSI is reviewed biannually at the Deputy National Security Advisor level, ensuring accountability and sustained momentum. The initiative facilitates pilot projects involving Indian and UK firms, as well as deeper collaboration between research institutions and startup ecosystems.

Joint research programs are supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the International Science Partnerships Fund, and corresponding Indian agencies. This multi-stakeholder approach creates tangible opportunities for enterprise connectivity and cross-border innovation.

Semiconductor Momentum

The September 2025 roundtable is especially timely, following India’s rapid progress in the semiconductor sector. At SEMICON India 2025, held earlier this month, India unveiled its first domestically produced chips, including the Vikram 32-bit processor. With participation from over 350 companies across 48 countries, the event underscored India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and its ambition to become globally competitive.

This milestone makes India an attractive partner for UK firms, providing opportunities for joint R&D and industrial collaboration.

National Security and Tech Resilience

The TSI addresses national security concerns by promoting secure telecom systems and resilient technology supply chains. The two nations collaborate on Open RAN testing and development, with a strong focus on performance and security.

The initiative also aligns their positions on global tech governance and digital standards, reinforcing shared democratic values while shaping international frameworks for responsible innovation.

Integration with Broader Relations

The TSI aligns closely with the India-UK Vision 2035, endorsed by both Prime Ministers in July 2025. This vision sets the roadmap for a revitalized partnership, where technology cooperation stands as a core pillar.

It also complements the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025, which is expected to double bilateral trade from £42 billion. CETA provides a supportive framework for TSI, enabling smoother technology trade and investment.

By integrating TSI into broader strategic ties, both nations reinforce their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The initiative positions India and the UK as leaders in global technological innovation, while addressing shared challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

The TSI represents more than just a bilateral technology pact; it signals a long-term vision for joint leadership in frontier technologies. By combining economic opportunity with national security imperatives, the framework deepens collaboration across critical sectors. The upcoming semiconductor roundtable serves as a powerful milestone, demonstrating how India and the UK are working together to shape the fourth industrial revolution, while advancing prosperity, resilience, and shared democratic values.