NEW DELHI: US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan arrived in New Delhi on Monday for an official two-day visit at the invitation of India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval.
Sullivan’s delegation includes senior US government officials and industry leaders, reflecting the importance of this visit in strengthening the robust India-US strategic partnership.
The visit aims to review and expand the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden during the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022. iCET focuses on collaboration in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, defence innovation, space, and advanced telecommunications. Recent expansions have included biotechnology, critical minerals, rare earth processing technologies, digital connectivity, and advanced materials.
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Today, Sullivan and Doval will lead the first annual review of iCET with an inter-departmental delegation from both countries. They will also discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. Tomorrow, the NSAs will address the India-US iCET Roundtable with Industry CEOs, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Sullivan also met with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar earlier today. The meeting occurred shortly after the extradition of Indian national Nikhil Gupta from the Czech Republic, who is accused of involvement in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan leader Gurupatwant Singh Pannun. While it was not officially confirmed if Gupta’s case was discussed, sources indicated that the matter is being handled.
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The visit follows a phone call last week between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, where Biden congratulated Modi on his re-election for a third term. “President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election,” the White House stated.
This visit marks the first major engagement of a high-ranking US official with the Modi administration since the recent elections. Sullivan’s arrival in India follows his participation in the Ukraine Peace Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where more than 80 countries called on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. Although India participated in the summit, it did not sign the joint statement.
Sullivan is also expected to call on Prime Minister Modi during his visit. This high-level engagement underscores the deepening India-US strategic partnership and their shared commitment to advancing critical and emerging technologies.