India-US aim greater ties on cyber-security

The US and India are looking to collaborate on cyber security, 'open government' and low-cost technology, a senior US government official said on Friday.

"Both the governments are looking at collaboration in cyber security, open government and low-cost technology," India-born US Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra said.

Vivek Kundra is one of the prominent Indians in Team Obama, which helps US President Barack Obama in administration.

It is not that one country is learning from the other. It is an age when countries can benefit from each other in technology, he said.

"Cyber security can transform countries. India's UID (Unique Identification) programme under the leadership of Nandan Nilekani is one such thing," he said. There is a need to shift the power to public with the help of Information Technology.

In areas like 'Right to Know Act', IT can do a lot -- it is another area where both countries can collaborate, Kundra said. A big concern in America on IT is outsourcing, he said, but refused to elaborate.

Earlier, in the mid-90s, during liberalisation, both countries benefited from globalisation. "Now we look forward further and relations are only going to strengthen," he said. "I see a positive relation in the long-term," Kundra said.

Now the US is trying to implement best practices all over the world as directed by President Obama, he said.

"US President Obama reminded us that the US does not have a monopoly on all the best ideas. He told us that we need to implement best practices wherever it exists. That is the reason I am here today," Kundra said.

During the day, Kundra met with Indian entrepreneurs and NASSCOM officials. He also visited the Gandhi Centre at Vidya Bhavan as part of India-US collaboration on skills development and enhancing computer literacy.