India, Feb. 14 -- The initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET), a legacy of the Joe Biden administration, has given way to Transforming Relations Utilising Strategic Technologies (TRUST) as the governing framework of tech ties under the Donald Trump administration. But TRUST is based on the same spirit of trust that governed iCET. And therein lies the true achievement.

Like iCET, TRUST envisages a role for governments, academia, and private sector "to promote application of critical and emerging technologies in areas such as defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space", while specifically mentioning the need to use "verified technology vendors and ensuring sensitive technologi...