While the September 2024 INDUS-X Summit in Silicon Valley presented a united front between the United States and India, beneath the surface, strategic maneuvering was at play. The event, attended by high-profile figures like Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State and Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defense Secretary of India served as a platform for both nations to showcase their commitment to defense and technological cooperation.
However, the growing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and India, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, cannot be ignored. The summit, while a significant event, was likely a strategic move for both nations to strengthen their positions and explore potential areas of collaboration.
XAIR’s participation in the summit was a calculated decision aimed at gaining visibility and potentially securing government contracts. The company, with its focus on stratospheric glider technology, is well-positioned to contribute to the evolving needs of the defense sector. However, it’s essential to consider the broader geopolitical context when evaluating such partnerships.
Founded by Seshu Kiran, XAIR is pivotal in designing stratospheric gliders with wind based dynamic soaring. The company has been an enigma since its founding. Either their funding ran out or they faltered at the complexity of aerospace projects. XAIR is a contributor to IEEE 1920 standards to enable drone airspace management & ADXBus, a communications bus standard to enhance the reliability of air vehicles design and their operation in the airspace. The company is somehow reorganized as a subsidiary of Azle, a deep technologies holding company. Patrick Egan, reportedly a controversial figure in the drone industry represented the company at the event.
As the U.S. and India navigate the complexities of their relationship, the INDUS-X Summit serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cooperation and competition. While the event may have presented a positive image to the world, the underlying strategic considerations cannot be overlooked.
