PM Modi and US National Security Advisor Discuss Strengthening India-US Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in New Delhi, where they discussed the growing partnership between India and the United States. During their meeting, Modi expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in areas such as technology, defense, and space.
As part of a two-day visit focused on reviewing bilateral relations, Sullivan met with Modi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This visit is significant as it marks one of the final engagements between senior officials of the Biden administration and Indian leaders before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Following their discussions, Modi shared on X, “The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in areas of technology, defense, space, biotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to building on this momentum for the benefit of our people and global good.”
Sullivan’s trip is viewed as a crucial step in reinforcing the India-US relationship, especially as both nations have focused on various high-level dialogues covering defense, cybersecurity, and maritime security. Doval and Sullivan have consistently communicated on many fronts, aiming to deepen ties between the two countries.
The establishment of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched by Modi and President Biden at the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022, has led to concrete collaborations in sectors like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Sullivan announced that the US is working to remove restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, which will enhance civil nuclear cooperation and strengthen clean energy supply chains. This action is anticipated to facilitate nuclear collaboration, particularly benefiting organizations like the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
At a public event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Sullivan praised Doval for his influence in fostering India-US cooperation on advanced technologies. He noted that this collaboration would drive the relationship further, improving both countries’ interests and contributing to a better global landscape.
Jaishankar also acknowledged Sullivan’s personal efforts in enhancing the India-US bond, highlighting the meaningful discussions that have occurred over the past four years. According to White House spokesperson John Kirby, Sullivan’s visit was intended to cover a wide range of topics, including strategic technology cooperation and shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a recent trip to the US, Jaishankar met both Sullivan and Mike Waltz, Trump’s nominee for the National Security Advisor position, underlining the importance of continued engagement between the two nations.
