SPAN
Advancing U.S.-India Security Ties
https://spanmag.state.gov
Editor in Chief
Nicole S. Holler
Editor
Deepanjali Kakati
English Associate Editor
Charvi Arora
Hindi Associate Editor Giriraj Agarwal
Urdu Associate Editor
Syed Sulaiman Akhtar
English Copy Editor
Krittika Sharma
Urdu Copy Editor
Zahoor Hussain Bhat
Art Director/ Production Chief Hemant Bhatnagar
Deputy Art Directors/ Production Assistants
Qasim Raza, Shah Faisal Khan
Front cover:
The US Air Force’s F-35A fighter jet participated in Aero India 2025. President Donald Trump said at a joint press conference during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, D.C., in February, “Starting this year, we’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We’re also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters.” (Photograph by Dayananda Sodankur)
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Right / BonV Aero’s unmanned aerial vehicles can lift large weights, are fully autonomous, and can operate in challenging terrains.
The I2A Launchpad supports Indian start-ups with dual-use technologies—those with both civilian and defense applications—in entering the U.S. market as a first step to potential collaborative projects.
Launching Defense Sales Between the United States and India
BY KRITTIKA SHARMA
As defense threats evolve daily, technology plays a critical role in maintaining security for Indians and Americans. The I2A (India to America) Launchpad program connects leading technology and defense innovators from the United States and India while supporting Indian start-ups developing dual-use technologies—those with both civilian and defense applications—as they enter the U.S. market. Two Indian companies—BonV Aero and EtherealX—are leveraging this opportunity to enter the U.S. aerial mobility and commercial launch market.
The I2A Launchpad facilitates their engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
The India-United States Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was launched in Washington, D.C. in 2023. In the February 2025 U.S.-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced their commitment to the INDUS-X initiative, which facilitates partnerships between U.S. and Indian defense companies, commercial start-ups, investors and universities to produce critical capabilities for the militaries of both countries. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform, that will advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships and foster investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies to maintain U.S. and India leadership in innovation and to meet the needs of the 21st century.
A collaboration between FedTech and IndusBridge Ventures, the I2A Launchpad is designed to support Indian start-ups in integrating dual-use technologies and establishing a presence in the competitive U.S.
The I2A Launchpad is designed to support Indian start-ups in integrating dual-use technologies and establishing a presence in the competitive U.S. defense sector.
Above / EtherealX co-founder Manu Nair (third from left, second row), and BonV Aero co-founder Satyabrata Satapathy (second from left, second row) with other members of the I2A Launchpad cohort.
Courtesy
BonV Aero
defense sector. The four-month program kicked off in Mumbai in late January 2025, bringing together eight selected start-ups with their advisers.
BonV Aero, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of operating in extreme environments, while Bengaluru-based EtherealX is building a reusable medium-lift rocket. Both companies will get access to training, mentorship and post-program support from U.S. experts as part of the I2A Launchpad.
New heights
Reliable UAVs are essential for both military and commercial applications, especially in challenging terrains. BonV Aero, which comes from “Bon Voyage,” symbolizing a safe landing, was founded in 2021. It is working on advanced UAVs to transport goods in high altitudes and terrains with rarefied air. The company was founded by a team of six, including CEO Satyabrata Satapathy and co-CEO Gaurav Acha.
“We all shared a common goal of advancing aerial mobility,” shares Satapathy. “Transport-class aerial vehicles are still at an early stage in India, and we wanted to lead the way.”
BonV Aero has worked with the Indian Army for several years as an original equipment manufacturer. “The Indian defense system faces big challenges in the Himalayan mountains,” explains Satapathy. “Choppers have limitations, and relying solely on them for heavy payload transport is not a viable solution.”
port-class UAVs in-house, developing both software and hardware. “We aim to get certified in the United States under programs like the Green UAS and Blue UAS. No Indian UAV company has achieved this certification yet,” says Patel. Green UAS and Blue UAS certifications are programs that assess and verify drones for cybersecurity and supply chain compliance, with Blue UAS focusing on DoD applications and Green UAS catering to commercial and non-DoD users.
The company also focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience. “Both the United States and India are focused on increasing supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on certain countries,” explains Patel, adding that BonV Aero hopes to fill that gap. Their vehicle, says Satapathy, runs on battery-powered systems, overcoming the challenges of high-altitude operations, and can lift 30 kilos at 19,000 feet. The drones are also fully autonomous. “They are self-reliant, that is, they fly from a point into a hostile environment, land on their own, deliver the payload, and return automatically,” says Satapathy. “Our technology does not need pilots and ground control stations or a large crew.” He also mentions the potential of drone swarms: “Each drone can carry 50 kilos, and together they can saturate an entire area with supplies.”
In February 2025, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform, that will advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships and foster investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies.
Looking ahead, BonV Aero aims to increase payload capacity to 58 kilos at 18,000 feet and expand its range of UAVs. “We plan to develop drones that can carry up to 500 kilos and travel 300 kilometers,” says Satapathy. “This capability would enable transportation between cities or remote military bases.”
Leveraging its military experience, BonV Aero hopes to partner with the American defense and commercial UAV markets. “Our technology is dual use and can be used by the military and also commercially,” explains Baibhav Patel, manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy at BonV Aero. “We’re trying to solve mid-mile and last-mile logistic problems, which exist in all kinds of markets and terrains.”
BonV Aero designs and manufactures trans-
Exploring the limits of space
Manu Nair, the CEO of EtherealX always dreamed of exploring the cosmos. Driven by a desire to become an astronaut, he co-founded EtherealX.
EtherealX’s rocket stands out for its ability to withstand re-entry heat, making it reusable, says Nair. “We built a new rocket engine cycle that enables us to operate our engines in both vacuum and atmosphere
efficiently at the same time,” he explains.
The team is now looking to partner with U.S. businesses and experts through the I2A Launchpad. “Our goal is to get access to the world’s largest space market,” he says. “We want exposure to space-focused funds and the investment ecosystem within the United States because they have extensive experience in the space sector, unlike the rest of the world.”
Nair says his vehicles have the potential for interplanetary travel and rapid point-to-point deliveries on Earth. Their technology enables precise landings, requiring only a small flat surface, making them useful for various applications, including defense and logistics.
“We are also building our own test facilities,” he adds. “Our next milestone is going to be testing our propulsion systems, particularly the upper-stage propulsion cycle that we’ve designed.”
Left / EtherealX’s rocket, Razor Crest Mk-1, which stands out for its ability to withstand re-entry heat, making it reusable. / Below / EtherealX co-founders (from left) Shubhayu Sardar, Prashanth Sharma and Manu Nair.
Photographs courtesy EtherealX
The United States-India Joint Leaders’ Statement underscores strengthened defense ties and a shared commitment to regional security and global challenges.
Expanding Strategic Defense Ties
President Trump and Prime Minister Modi launched a new initiative—the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century”—to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation. Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership.
—U.S.-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, February 13, 2025
Above / President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C. in February 2025.
Courtesy
White House /
Highlighting the deepening convergence of U.S.-India strategic interests, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defense partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defense ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century. —U.S.-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, February 13, 2025
Above / President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet at the White House in February 2025.
Courtesy The White House /
/ AIKairos’ indigenously developed device, which is currently undergoing trials, detects
Two winners of an INDUS-X challenge, Airbotix and AIKairos, are advancing underwater communication tech to enhance naval interoperability. Their innovations support U.S.-India defense cooperation and strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific.
Tech for Safer Oceans
BY KRITTIKA SHARMA
Stronger defense collaborations between the United States and India are driving start-ups to offer cutting-edge technology for enhanced military coordination between the two countries. Through the INDUS-X initiative, start-ups like Airbotix and AIKairos—both winners of an INDUS-X Joint IMPACT Challenge—are developing advanced underwater communication technologies to improve naval interoperability. Their solutions enable submarines, ships and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) from different countries to communicate seamlessly.
Launched in 2023, the India-United States De-
fense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) facilitates partnerships between U.S. and Indian defense companies, start-ups, incubators, accelerators, investors, and universities to develop critical capabilities for the militaries of both countries. In the February 2025 U.S.-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced their commitment to the INDUS-X initiative. The leaders also announced the launch of INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform, that will advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships and foster investments
Right
underwater threats.
in space, energy, and other emerging technologies to maintain U.S. and India leadership in innovation and to meet the needs of the 21st century.
The Joint IMPACT Challenge was launched by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit and India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme to identify cutting-edge solutions for warfighter needs. Both AIKairos and Airbotix are winners of the first edition of the challenge, focusing their solutions on undersea communications.
“Interoperability is crucial for joint operations,” says Rashi Mehrotra, co-founder of AIKairos, a Gurgaon-based research and development start-up. By enabling secure underwater communication, these start-ups help the United States, and its allies, to operate more effectively in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing security through global cooperation.
Detecting submarines
AIKairos’ solutions include “the development of hardware and software, both made indigenously, for the detection of underwater threats,” explains Mehrotra. “The key component in such technology is a receiver [to receive and decipher signals]. We have the upper hand because we have developed our own receiver.”
The company’s underwater communication system allows submarines from different countries to communicate seamlessly. This is especially important for the Quad countries—the United States, India, Japan and Australia. “The primary goal was to ensure interoperability between these countries so that submarines can talk to each other [regarding threats],” says Mehrotra. “Our technology ensures that different naval forces can operate together more effectively, which is crucial
Above / Airbotix founder Rajesh Gandhi (second from left) and AIKairos co-founder Rashi Mehrotra (fourth from left) with other winners of the INDUS-X Joint IMPACT Challenge. / Right / Airbotix’s winning technology ensures submarines and ships can communicate effectively, even under challenging conditions.
Photographs courtesy Airbotix
By enabling secure underwater communication, the startups help the United States, and its allies, to operate more effectively in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing security through global cooperation.
for security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The unpredictable nature of the ocean makes underwater defense particularly challenging. AIKairos’ solution helps overcome these challenges by detecting ultra-quiet submarines, which are otherwise difficult to track. “The transmitter is able to detect any moving object of any shape. By transmitting different waves underwater, they generate a signal that our device can detect. If we can detect that wave, we can get an amplitude, the signal and the frequency. My AVS can detect the frequency of that target, which may be a submarine belonging to a hostile country in the Indian Ocean region.”
Mehrotra highlights how INDUS-X provided the perfect platform to develop and deploy their underwater communication technology. “It’s an incredible opportunity for start-ups like ours to bring high-tech solutions to the defense sector.”
Communicating underseas
Airbotix, founded by Rajesh Gandhi, is developing underwater communication technology that allows submarines, ships and AUVs to communicate seamlessly, even in challenging conditions. The start-up’s goal is to improve interoperability between naval forces by enabling seamless communication between submarines, ships and autonomous underwater vehicles.
“Our technology ensures submarines and ships can communicate effectively, even in the most challenging underwater environments,” says Gandhi. The team has
built both the hardware and software in-house, creating a system that integrates sensors, amplifiers and data acquisition components. “We designed everything ourselves and are testing our own algorithms in simulation,” he adds. The Indian Navy will evaluate the technology once its development stages are complete.
National security priorities include underwater defense. Airbotix’s communication device will enhance the U.S. defense ecosystem by improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. “Since we designed this in-house, we have the flexibility to adapt it for various platforms, including submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles,” Gandhi explains.
“Our device enables secure underwater communication by transmitting encrypted signals through acoustic waves,” says Gandhi. “Error correction techniques ensure that even with interference, messages are received accurately.” Few companies in the world market offer such technology, and India currently does not have its own product in this domain, he says.
“The problem related to effective underwater communication has been recognized by both the United States and India, and we are confident that our solution will support the defense ecosystem of both nations,” says Gandhi. The project opens opportunities for collaboration between Indian and U.S. startups, allowing them to leverage each other’s strengths. “Working together will help us develop world-class products and showcase our innovations on a global platform.”
Fulbright-Nehru scholar and Marine veteran Chandler Compton is researching India’s role in the Quad, exploring how resilient supply chains strengthen Indo-Pacific security, regional stability and U.S. strategic interests.
Resilient Supply Chains Strengthening Security
BY ZAHOOR HUSSAIN BHAT
Chandler Compton arrived in New Delhi in November 2024 as a Fulbright-Nehru scholar to research India’s role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad), and study Hindi through a Critical Language Enhancement Award. Under the direction of Shankari Sundararaman, chair of the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Compton’s research will identify strategies for the Quad members—the United States, Australia, India and Japan—to build resilient, sustainable supply chains that enhance economic growth and geopolitical stability in the region.
Compton, who earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and English from Wofford College in South Carolina, served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and completed his active-duty service in November 2024. While stationed in Mount Fuji and Okinawa, Japan, Compton led logistics operations and collaborated with American partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
Excerpts from an interview.
Hemant Bhatnagar
What motivated you to research India’s role in the Quad, and why did you choose to focus on supply chains?
While serving as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Japan, I saw firsthand how Indo-Pacific logistics networks shape operational outcomes, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. I became curious about the role of India and South Asia in the world’s supply chain ecosystem and its impact on global commerce. My Fulbright-Nehru award has provided my first experience in India and created an opportunity to understand this fascinating country and region.
How did your experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps solidify your interest in the Indo-Pacific region?
As a U.S. Marine in Japan, I often studied how the Indo-Pacific will shape the world over the coming decades. My travels through East and Southeast Asia also built an intense curiosity about Asia’s history, cultures, and geopolitical climate, fueling my desire to engage the region throughout my career.
What is India’s role and strategic significance in strengthening supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region?
India’s strategic location, ongoing infrastructure expansion and demographic trends are key dynamics that position the country as an increasingly attractive hub for global investment. Through partnerships with Indo-Pacific allies, India can provide a place to build a reliable, sustainable and innovative ecosystem that serves the global market.
How do you define resilient supply chains in the context of the Quad?
The Quad countries and their Indo-Pacific partners
need to develop supply chains that are diversified, transparent and sustainable to withstand shocks in the future. Infrastructure investments, streamlined regulations and information-sharing agreements are key to strengthening trade networks through the Quad’s leadership.
What is the Quad’s role in advancing regional stability and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific?
The Quad’s partnerships—both among its members and with shared allies—have enormous potential to drive long-term regional integration and stability across the Indo-Pacific. The Quad can foster the cross-border exchange of not only goods and services, but also ideas, culture and talent. I hope my career will allow me to play a part in realizing that shared future.
How do you see the U.S.-India relationship evolving within the Quad framework?
The U.S.-India relationship forms a powerful cornerstone of the Quad. As U.S.-India strategic interests align, deeper economic ties and supply chain resilience should remain top priorities. In an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment, the relationships within the Quad will play a significant role in fostering a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Below left / Chandler Compton’s research will identify strategies for the Quad members to build resilient, sustainable supply chains that enhance geopolitical stability in the region. / Right / Compton (center) served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Mount Fuji and Okinawa, Japan.
Courtesy Chandler Compton
The U.S. participation in Aero India 2025 featured cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies, and underscored its commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation with India.
Deepening Defense and Security Cooperation
On February 10, Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy New Delhi, inaugurated the U.S. Partnership Pavilion, emphasizing the importance of expanding bilateral defense trade. “The U.S. defense industry has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with India to provide high-quality, technologically advanced defense equipment and systems that are considered the most operationally reliable in the world,” he stated.
As one of the largest international exhibitors at
Aero India 2025, the United States featured leading American aerospace and defense firms displaying next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies, and innovative defense capabilities. A high-level U.S. delegation, including senior officials from the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate Chennai, and the Department of Defense, underscored the strong and growing partnership between the two nations.
Here are some glimpses:
2nd Lt. Alejandra Angarita / U.S. Air Force
Left / A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, tilts sideways while conducting a flyover at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. / Below / Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy New Delhi (second from right), inaugurates the U.S. Partnership Pavilion at Aero India.
Above / Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, tours an F-35A Lightning II with U.S. Air Force Capt. Trevor Marckmann, 355th Fighter Squadron pilot, during Aero India.
Dayananda Sodankur
Tech Sgt. Tarelle Walker / U.S. Air Force
Left / U.S. Consul General Chennai, Christopher W. Hodges (left), and Chargé d’Affaires Andrews (second from left) with the high-level U.S. delegation in front of the U.S. fighter jet F-35 Lightning II at Aero India 2025.
Above / Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, tours an F-16 Fighting Falcon with U.S. Air Force Capt. Mason Paddison, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, at Aero India.
Above / The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific’s 10-member ensemble, Final Approach, based out of Yokota Air Base in Japan, performs at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, during Aero India.
Dayananda Sodankur
Courtesy
Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus
Above / Chargé d’Affaires Andrews visits the U.S. Pavilion, featuring leading American aerospace and defense firms showcasing next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies and innovative defense capabilities.
Left / India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan (sixth from left) with the U.S. military delegation at Aero India 2025.
Dayananda Sodankur
The U.S. Space Force’s first Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Indian companies 3rd iTech and 114AI is advancing satellite communication and strengthening defense capabilities.
Partnership for Space Innovations
BY CHARVI ARORA
The United States Space Force, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), signed its first international Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with two Bengaluru-based companies—3rd iTech, an image sensor company, and 114AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) solutions firm—in 2023. This agreement was the U.S. Space Force’s first CRADA with a non-U.S. industry partner, marking a key milestone in advancing innovation in space technology and Earth observation.
Under this partnership, 114AI, which develops AI-powered software to monitor and analyze activity in space, and 3rd iTech, India’s only image sensor company, will work with AFRL. The AFRL serves as the U.S. Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center. Through this agreement, technical expertise, laboratory space, and advanced equipment are shared to support joint research efforts.
Founded by Vrinda Kapoor and incubated at IIT Delhi and the University of California, Berkeley, 3rd iTech specializes in advanced semiconductor solutions designed to enhance space imaging and communication. It is dedicated to developing CMOS image sensors—a semiconductor device with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology—a critical technology used in advanced space imaging and defense applications. These sensors convert light into electronic signals, enabling high-quality imaging for satellites and defense systems.
While 3rd iTech specializes in semiconductor solutions, 114AI develops AI-driven dual-use software for space activity monitoring. Together, the two companies are working toward improving satellite communication, strengthening defense capabilities and advancing space technology through their innovative solutions.
“It is exciting when mutually beneficial collabora-
tions, such as this agreement with 114AI and 3rd iTech, are signed to advance the state-of-the-art in space domain awareness and Earth observation sensor technologies,” Merrick Garb, Commercial, Civil and Interagency Partnerships Branch Chief, Global Partnerships Directorate, Headquarters Space Force, Pentagon, said in an article published on the U.S. Space Force’s website.
Innovating through research
This agreement marks a significant milestone in fostering collaborative efforts in space technology. It provides 3rd iTech with research support from U.S. government laboratories and space experts, fostering innovation in critical space infrastructure. Under this agreement, 3rd iTech is focusing on developing high-performance infrared sensors capable of detecting and tracking objects in space. These sensors can significantly improve satellite imaging and help address the challenge of space debris. By working alongside the U.S. Space Force, 3rd iTech is contributing to global space safety and enhancing the operational security of satellites.
Experts involved in the partnership highlight its significance. Dr. Welles-
ley Pereira, Mission Area Lead for Space Information Mobility at AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, said in the U.S. Space Force article, “This CRADA represents a significant step forward in our quest to push the collaborative boundaries of space technology.” He noted that bringing together the best minds and resources from different nations enables breakthroughs with mutually beneficial results. “We are very appreciative to the entire team that worked to make this happen, including Vrinda Kapoor and Vinayak Dalmia at 114AI and 3rd iTech, Merrick Garb at Headquarters Space Force, and Melissa Ortiz, tech transfer agreements specialist lead Space Vehicles Directorate.”
The CRADA marks a significant milestone in fostering collaborative efforts in space technology.
NicoElNino
Kishan Thakkar’s IVLP experience shaped GalaxEye’s hybrid imaging satellite project, Mission Drishti, and fostered collaborations with U.S. companies.
Advanced Space Tech Boosting Security
BY ZAHOOR HUSSAIN BHAT
Above / GalaxEye co-founder Kishan Thakkar (fourth from left) at the Sciences and Exploration Directorate during a visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as part of the IVLP program.
Tabatha
Luskey
NASA
Driven by a vision to advance space technology, five alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras co-founded Bengaluru-based GalaxEye in 2021. The founders had previously collaborated as part of Team Avishkar Hyperloop, a student competition at IIT Madras, and qualified as the only Asian finalist in the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Competition. Their experience in innovation and global competitions helped shape GalaxEye’s mission to improve Earth imaging.
GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti is set to launch the world’s first hybrid imaging satellite, designed to offer high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging. Co-founder Kishan Thakkar’s participation in the 2024 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on U.S.-India Commercial Space Collaboration played a key role in advancing GalaxEye’s mission. The IVLP is the U.S. State Department’s premier professional exchange program that connects professionals with their counterparts in the United States through short-term visits.
As part of the IVLP exchange, Thakkar and eight other participants from India’s space sector engaged with U.S. counterparts to explore commercial space opportunities and foster collaboration. The group met with American space counterparts in Axiom Space, Viasat, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The program aimed to create opportunities for Indian and U.S. private space firms to network and identify areas for partnership.
Redefining Earth observation
Mission Drishti is poised to boost various sectors by making satellite-based Earth observation a more reliable source of data by providing intuitive satellite imagery. “The satellite’s high-resolution imaging, using both optical and radar sensors, enables it to detect military camouflage, track troop movements, and provide surveillance in low-light conditions. It can also monitor crop growth, track urbanization, and detect changes in Earth’s surface,” explains Thakkar. The satellite’s data will support sectors such as maritime operations, defense, insurance, agriculture and utilities, helping drive informed decision-making.
IVLP takeaways
Thakkar describes his IVLP experience as highly
valuable, facilitating interactions with U.S. government agencies, NASA, private companies, and organizations like Space Florida. “It gave me a deep understanding of how government-private collaborations function in the United States, and how a similar approach could be applied in India,” he says. “I also identified potential avenues for GalaxEye to collaborate with U.S. companies.”
One of the key outcomes of these engagements was a formal agreement with Florida-based impulso. space, facilitating the transport of GalaxEye’s satellite for its upcoming U.S. launch. “I had the opportunity to meet their team at the SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., shortly after the IVLP program,” says Thakkar.
GalaxEye has also benefited from valuable insights and technical support through its partnerships with the U.S.-based space company SpaceX. “They have provided valuable guidance, ensuring we are well-prepared for the launch with thorough documentation and consistent follow-ups,” Thakkar says.
Looking ahead
As GalaxEye prepares for Mission Drishti’s launch later this year, the company is set to introduce a major advancement in satellite imaging technology. Thakkar explains that this satellite will be the first to combine two types of imaging technology—radar and optical—to capture clearer, more detailed images of the Earth in any weather or lighting conditions. By enhancing Earth observation, it will play a pivotal role in supporting industries like defense, agriculture and disaster management.
Above / The IVLP participants, including Kishan Thakkar (fourth from right), at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.
Tabatha Luskey / NASA
IVLP and Nexus alumna Samridhi Shoor’s company, Aegion, develops advanced materials for aerospace, space and nuclear industries, enhancing U.S.-India defense interoperability.
Strengthening Security Through Innovation
BY SYED SULAIMAN AKHTAR
Samridhi Shoor is the director of Aegion, a New Delhi-based metallurgy and materials engineering company specializing in high-performance alloys for the aerospace, space and nuclear industries. Alloys, which are metal mixtures designed to improve strength, durability and resistance to extreme conditions, play a vital role in these fields. By developing advanced materials, her work supports defense modernization and strengthens interoperability between the United States and India.
In 2024, Shoor participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “Workforce Development for Critical and Emerging Technologies in the Quad.” “My IVLP experience was instrumental in shaping Aegion’s international strategy, particularly in forging strong global partnerships and expanding our market presence,” says Shoor. The IVLP, the U.S. State Department’s premier professional exchange program, connects professionals with their counterparts in the United States through short-term visits. Shoor was also part of the 19th cohort at U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s Nexus Startup Hub. Nexus connects start-ups, innovators and investors, offering access to networks, training, mentors and funding. Excerpts from the interview.
Please tell us briefly about Aegion’s work and its main areas of operation.
Aegion is a metallurgy and materials engineering company. We specialize in the development and manufacturing of high-performance alloys and components for critical industries like aerospace, space and nuclear. We focus on engineering materials that can
Above / Samridhi Shoor participated in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “Workforce Development for Critical and Emerging Technologies in the Quad.”
Courtesy Samridhi Shoor
withstand extreme conditions in applications like jet engines, spacecraft combustors and nuclear reactors, hypersonic systems and fuel cells.
How did you determine the market demand for specialty materials in defense, nuclear, and aerospace applications, and what motivated you to build Aegion?
Observing global technological developments significantly shaped my interest in advanced materials and, in turn, Aegion’s focus. During my university research focusing on radiation-resistant materials, I noticed a distinct gap in the availability of these specialized alloys outside a few key nations. This was particularly evident in the nuclear energy sector, where many countries relied on aging infrastructure or imported materials with limited performance.
This realization fueled my desire to establish Aegion as a globally competitive provider of advanced materials.
How does Aegion’s work contribute to U.S.-India defense collaboration, particularly in strengthening joint projects and interoperability?
Aegion plays a key role in the U.S.-India strategic partnership by providing critical materials that bridge technological gaps and enhance defense capabilities. By offering access to our cutting-edge materials, we support India’s efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure in alignment with joint security initiatives. This is not merely a commercial transaction—it’s a strategic investment in strengthening the partnership. We provide the material backbone that enables collaborative projects, fostering greater interoperability between U.S. and Indian defense systems.
Ultimately, Aegion acts as a conduit for technological collaboration, contributing to a more robust and mutually beneficial strategic partnership between the United States and India, particularly in the critical domain of defense.
How will your advanced materials for aerospace and nuclear technology contribute to strengthening strategic defense capacity between the United States and India?
It’s not just about mixing metals; it’s about engineering solutions at the atomic level. At Aegion, we’re focused on the fundamental science that underpins next-generation defense technologies, an essential el-
ement of the U.S.-India strategic partnership. Consider turbine blades operating at extreme temperatures. We’re developing alloys with precisely controlled microstructures, enhancing creep resistance and increasing operational efficiencies. This results in jet engines with increased thrust-to-weight ratios, offering a significant advantage for both nations.
Then there’s the challenge of radiation shielding. We’re exploring advanced ceramic composites with tailored neutron absorption cross-sections. This isn’t just theoretical work; it’s about developing materials that can withstand the extreme environments of nuclear reactors and deep-space missions—strengthening both strategic deterrence and space-based capabilities.
By providing access to cutting-edge materials and fostering collaborative development, Aegion is strengthening the scientific foundation of the U.S.-India strategic partnership.
How has your IVLP experience impacted your innovation and business strategy at Aegion?
The interactions in Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Phoenix deepened my understanding of workforce development in critical technologies and strengthened our partnership strategy.
These experiences shaped Aegion’s strategy by emphasizing global partnerships, regional talent development, and cross-sector collaboration, further strengthening our position in high-performance materials and semiconductors.
Tell us about your experience at the Nexus Startup Hub.
My time at the Nexus Startup Hub was invaluable, not just for Aegion’s growth strategy but also for reshaping my approach to entrepreneurship. We were encouraged to focus on real-world applications and customer validation, rather than just the technology. This mindset shift played a key role in refining Aegion’s strategy for entering new international markets with our advanced materials.
Beyond the structured sessions, the most valuable lessons came from Nexus’ collaborative environment— where sharing ideas, refining strategies and observing how start-ups from different sectors tackle challenges, was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of adaptability and global collaboration, values that now shape Aegion’s long-term strategy.
Quad program fellow Eerishika Pankaj discusses how the U.S.-India partnership strengthens regional security.
Strategic Ties Shaping Stronger Security
BY DEEPANJALI KAKATI
Eerishika Pankaj is the head of research and operations director at the Organization for Research on China and Asia (ORCA), a Delhi-NCR-based think tank.
“We are one of the few, if not the only, think tanks in India that focus on domestic Chinese policymaking and how it shapes external actions by Beijing,” she says. The organization produces a variety of products, including special issues, dashboards, podcasts, articles and a daily newsletter.
In 2023, Pankaj participated in the U.S. State Department-sponsored Quad Leaders Lead OnDemand program, which was designed to establish a coalition of think tank leaders. The program’s goal was to align messaging on important aspects of Quad collaboration, enhancing understanding among host governments and other stakeholders about the advantages of the Quad partnership. It included skill-building sessions that focused on trends in research, adjusting scholarly content to various platforms and audiences, improving messaging, and connecting with communities.
Excerpts from the interview.
Above / Eerishika Pankaj (first row, third from left) participated in the U.S. State Department-sponsored Quad Leaders Lead On-Demand program in 2023. The program was designed to establish a coalition of think tank leaders.
Courtesy
Eerishika Pankaj
Please describe briefly your work at ORCA.
I founded ORCA in 2021 as a nonpartisan research institute focused on producing policy-oriented analysis on contemporary Chinese domestic politics, foreign policy, economy, defense strategy and sociocultural behavior. We aim to understand China’s policymaking objectively, rather than approaching it from a lens of competition or threat perception. We have in-house projects like the India-China Trade Dashboard, Episodes of Cultural Exchanges, work on the Chinese Communist Party, special issues on Indian soft power in South Asia and transboundary water politics. Since 2023, we have convened a dialogue-driven China-focused annual conference, the Global Conference on New Sinology.
Tell us about your experiences during the Quad program.
It was an eye-opening experience. Traveling to the United States, Japan and Indonesia as part of this exchange program added immense value. Seeing the policy debates unfold firsthand and engaging directly with scholars and policymakers gave me a deeper appreciation of how each country perceives the Indo-Pacific.
I observed that while there is a shared commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” the interpretation of this vision varies. Japanese scholars and officials emphasized the Quad’s role in fostering economic security and supply chain resilience, while U.S. policymakers underscored technological cooperation and deterrence.
Overall, the program refined my view that the Quad’s greatest strength lies in its ability to shape norms—not just through strategic coordination but by setting precedents in security, transparency and maritime governance.
In what ways did the exchange program contribute to your professional growth?
My time in the program directly contributed to my published work on norm diffusion in the Indo-Pacific, which I am still expanding. It also strengthened my understanding of how Quad countries align on issues while maintaining flexibility in their individual threat perceptions. I believe this work is crucial for assessing how mini-lateral groupings redefine global governance, offering a new lens to evaluate their long-term impact on the Indo-Pacific order.
The Quad’s influence extends beyond hard power by embedding key principles—like transparency, rule of law and freedom of navigation—into the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture. Some of my work after the program underscores how the Quad is shaping strategic discourse rather than merely reacting to external pressures.
A key highlight of the program was a workshop in Washington, D.C., by Paul Franz on “Policy Storytelling,” which explored techniques for strategic communication, including visual abstraction and multimedia messaging. I remember we found these insights particularly useful, and I integrated some of these approaches into my think tank’s operations to enhance outreach and policy impact.
How do you see the U.S.-India partnership shaping the Indo-Pacific security landscape?
The U.S.-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership is shaping the Indo-Pacific security landscape by institutionalizing strategic convergence while maintaining flexibility in engagement. Both countries are strengthening a networked security framework through deepening defense ties, co-production agreements like the GE-414 jet engine deal, and expanded joint military exercises such as Malabar and Tiger Triumph. These initiatives enhance interoperability while signaling a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Both countries are strengthening a networked security framework through deepening defense ties, co-production agreements like the GE-414 jet engine deal, and expanded joint military exercises such as Malabar and Tiger Triumph.
India’s engagements in the Quad ensure that the grouping remains an inclusive norm-setting entity rather than a purely security-focused organization. Its leadership in maritime domain awareness initiatives, like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, complements U.S. efforts to secure open sea lanes. Additionally, India’s role in bilateral and trilateral partnerships, including the U.S.-India-Japan and U.S.-India-Australia partnerships, reinforces flexible regional coalitions.
By strengthening regional capacity in maritime security, technology governance, and infrastructure finance, the United States and India are creating sustainable alternatives to Beijing’s influence.
What role does India’s engagements in the Quad play in strengthening U.S.-India defense and security cooperation?
As geopolitical competition intensifies, the United States and India have an opportunity to institutionalize these efforts through bilateral industrial security agreements and supply chain resilience dialogues, ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial security and economic partnership.
India’s engagement in the Quad has accelerated a redefined U.S.-India security relationship, shifting from traditional defense cooperation to a strategic, technology-driven and diplomatically agile partnership. In the next few years, India’s role in the Quad can institutionalize its security ties with the United States in an adaptive framework.
The Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which enhances joint logistics and disaster response, is an early example of how India and the United States are synchronizing defense efforts beyond traditional exercises like Malabar.
Similarly, the Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network has fostered deeper defense industrial collaboration, paving the way for India to co-develop and co-produce advanced defense technologies with U.S. firms. In maritime security, India’s Information
Courtesy Eerishika Pankaj
Fusion Center–Indian Ocean Region has become a key node in the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, allowing real-time intelligence sharing and increasing India’s role in regional maritime security frameworks.
What potential do you see for deeper U.S.-India security engagements, particularly in securing supply chains?
The potential for deeper U.S.-India security engagements, particularly in securing supply chains, lies in their shared strategic imperative to build resilient, diversified and secure networks that reduce dependencies on single-source suppliers, particularly from China. The Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network already represents a significant step in addressing vulnerabilities in the global chip supply chain, with India emerging as a critical partner in semiconductor manufacturing and assembly. Future collaboration could expand to joint investments in semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, and rare earth processing, where India’s manufacturing potential and skilled workforce align with U.S. technological leadership.
The future of U.S.-India supply chain security cooperation will likely include joint efforts to set standards for trusted technologies, expanding secure Open Radio Access Networks, and strengthening cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure. As geopolitical competition intensifies, the United States and India have an opportunity to institutionalize these efforts through bilateral industrial security agreements and supply chain resilience dialogues, ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial security and economic partnership.
U.S. speaker Mercedes Soria is advancing AI-driven security, making the United States safer with autonomous robots. On her India visit, she shared insights on how AI innovations can enhance public safety.
AI-Powered Security for Public Safety
BY CHARVI ARORA
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if high-tech security bots patrolled your neighborhood, keeping an eye out for trouble? These are no longer just the stuff of fiction— artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robots are now a reality. Mercedes Soria, the brain behind this futuristic vision, works for a company that builds autonomous security robots designed to detect, deter and report potential threats in real time. As the executive vice president and chief intelligence officer at a Silicon Valley-based company, Knightscope, Soria is improving public safety one algorithm at a time.
She visited Bengaluru, Pune and New Delhi in 2024 as part of the U.S. Speaker Program, sponsored by the Department of State. During her engagements, she met with industry leaders, AI experts and young innovators, sharing her insights on AI and advanced technologies.
Excerpts from an interview with SPAN magazine.
Above / Mercedes Soria at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune. She also visited Bengaluru and New Delhi in 2024 as part of the U.S. State Department’s speaker program.
Amrita Dmello
How is Knightscope leveraging technology to enhance security, and what are some of its key innovations?
At Knightscope, our goal is to make the United States the safest country in the world. However, we don’t have enough security guards and police officers to ensure this level of safety. To address this challenge, we developed a robot equipped with wheels, cameras and advanced computing. This autonomous system provides round-the-clock monitoring, recording every moment without interruption.
Our machine learning algorithms analyze data in real time, detecting anomalies and notifying human personnel when necessary. By doing that, we help companies reduce the cost of physical security.
One of our flagship innovations is the K5 Autonomous Security Robot, an AI-driven self-driving security robot that patrols properties and public spaces. It can be monitored remotely via software or managed by Knightscope’s team.
How do you see these technologies defining the future of the security industry?
The security industry is divided into two areas: cy-
bersecurity and physical security. Knightscope focuses more on physical security through robotics.
In the past, security tools were installed on devices like phones and computers to detect potential intrusions. With generative AI, these systems not only detect threats but also proactively block them. AI can identify hacking attempts, phishing attacks, or unauthorized access and take immediate action to prevent breaches.
These advancements in AI-driven security solutions can significantly enhance protection for both companies and individuals in the digital space.
What are some emerging trends in generative AI that you find particularly noteworthy?
One of the most exciting trends, especially for young innovators, is that generative AI has democratized access to coding. Today, you don’t need to be a programmer to start a tech-driven company. With large language models—advanced AI systems trained on vast amounts of text to understand and generate human-like language—you can simply describe the functionality you need. Once the inputs, outputs and steps are defined, the AI will generate the code for
Amrita Dmello
At Knightscope, our goal is to make the United States the safest country in the world.
you. This has opened the door for anyone with an idea to bring it to life using technology.
Another important trend involves understanding the do’s and don’ts of using AI. While AI can be a powerful tool, it’s crucial not to rely on it blindly. Additionally, we’re seeing major tech companies develop their own AI algorithms, each with unique strengths. Some are optimized for handling diverse data types, others for speed, and some excel in conversational interactions.
Finally, open-source AI is gaining momentum. This offers an alternative by enabling collaboration among engineers worldwide, creating powerful tools that are accessible at little to no cost.
What were your key takeaways from your engagements in India?
One of my biggest takeaways has been the exciting conversations around AI. India is making great strides in technology. While user interfaces in the United States may be slightly more advanced, the gap is not significant. I was thrilled to witness the level of innovation happening in India.
Photographs by Rakesh Malhotra
Above, left and far left / During her engagements, Mercedes Soria met with AI experts and young innovators, sharing insights on AI and advanced technologies.
