India, US sign joint declaration for collaboration in ICT

India and the United States on Friday signed a joint declaration of intent for collaboration in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT) and electronics.

The declaration, which was signed between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India and the Department of State, Government of the United States of America, has been signed for a period of five years.

"India and the US signed a joint declaration for collaboration in the area of information and communication technologies and electronics. This joint declaration is for a period of five years and it seeks to enhance cooperation in the area of ICT, which is to increase partnership in the 'Digital India' partnership of the Government of India and all the related fields of ICT, electronic manufacturing, cyber security and so on. It also seeks to take forwards how India provides the support in service structure of ICT," Department of Electronics and Information Technology secretary RS Sharma told the media.

"This is a document that sets the tone for a partnership for the next five years and this partnership is extremely important from the point of view of both countries because India has embarked in the 'Digital India' programme and both the countries share a common vision," he added.

This declaration between the two countries has been signed two days ahead of US President Barack Obama's three-day visit of India.