Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan engaged in comprehensive discussions encompassing the entire spectrum of their countries’ strategic ties during their meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Sullivan also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to deliberate on the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming state visit to the US next week. The two NSAs reportedly finalised the agenda for the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Joe Biden.
During the visit, Modi is expected to focus on Defence and strategic affairs, with a specific emphasis on India’s access to cutting-edge technology from the US. India is keen on establishing a partnership for the joint manufacturing of the GE-414 fighter jet engine for the indigenously designed and manufactured Tejas light combat aircraft.
Reports indicate that the US is prepared to sell over 30 armed Sea Guardian drones to India in a proposed deal exceeding $2 billion. The leaders may also explore possibilities for joint production of armored personnel carriers and ammunition. These issues were reportedly discussed between the two NSAs during their meeting.
Sullivan arrived in India on a two-day visit and held delegation-level talks with Doval on matters of mutual interest.
Earlier in the day, Sullivan met Jaishankar to discuss the preparations for Modi’s visit to the US, as well as global strategic developments from the perspective of the India-US partnership. Jaishankar shared on Twitter, “Great to meet US NSA @jakesullivan46 in South Block today morning. Our conversation focused on preparing for PM @narendramodi’s upcoming US visit. Also discussed global strategic developments from the perspective of our partnership.”
On Tuesday, Sullivan called on Modi to discuss matters of bilateral cooperation. The two leaders also reviewed progress under the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Glad to receive US National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46. Reviewed progress under India-US Initiative on Critical & Emerging Technologies (iCET) and other issues of bilateral cooperation. Look forward to meeting @POTUS @JoeBiden during my upcoming State Visit to the US.”
During their discussions, Doval and Sullivan unveiled an ambitious roadmap for collaboration between India and the US in seven key high-technology areas, including semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and defense. The roadmap, announced at the second Track-1.5 dialogue on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), aims to address obstacles hindering cooperation and maximize the potential of the partnership.