New Delhi, India, June 17, 2024 – US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan commenced a significant two-day visit to India today, marking a key moment in the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. Sullivan’s visit, which had been postponed twice earlier this year due to the US administration’s focus on the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.
Key Meetings and Discussions
Sullivan’s itinerary began with a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global issues. Jaishankar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed confidence in the continued advancement of the India-US strategic partnership, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their discussions.
Highlights of the Visit:
- Meeting with Ajit Doval: Sullivan met with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval, to review the long-pending India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022, aims to foster collaboration in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, defense innovation, space, and advanced telecommunications.
- Delegation Accompanied by Senior Officials: Sullivan is accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials and industry leaders. Their discussions with Indian counterparts will focus on furthering the robust and multi-faceted agenda of the India-US global strategic partnership.
- Expansion of iCET Framework: The meetings will also explore new areas within the iCET framework, including biotechnology, critical minerals processing technologies, digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and advanced materials.
- Review and Future Priorities: Sullivan and Doval will review the progress made under the iCET and set new priorities and deliverables. They will chair the first annual review of iCET with inter-departmental delegations from both countries.
- Industry Roundtable: On Tuesday, Sullivan and Doval will address an India-US iCET Roundtable with industry CEOs, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This session will be held behind closed doors.
Strategic Importance
Sullivan’s visit is seen as a continuation of high-level engagements aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and the US. The discussions on critical and emerging technologies are expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration, benefiting both nations in terms of technological advancements and economic growth.
Sullivan is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further highlighting the significance of this visit in strengthening bilateral ties.
For more detailed updates and insights into the visit, stay tuned to Paperdabba.
