New Delhi [India]: US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan is set to visit India for a high-level meeting with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday. The visit underscores the deepening strategic ties between the two nations.
Expanding Strategic Partnership
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the upcoming discussions. “The India-US relationship is strong and dynamic, with continuous engagements taking place at multiple levels. NSA Sullivan and NSA Doval will deliberate on various issues to further bolster this partnership,” he stated during a press briefing.
Focus Areas
The agenda for the meeting is expected to cover:
- Regional Security: Enhancing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Defense Cooperation: Expanding joint initiatives and technology-sharing.
- Economic Ties: Strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
- Mobility of Skilled Professionals: Addressing issues related to H1B visas and leveraging technical expertise for mutual economic growth.
Jaiswal emphasized the critical role skilled professionals play in the economic ties between the two nations. “India and the US benefit greatly from technical expertise provided by skilled professionals, and we aim to deepen this collaboration further,” he added.
Strengthening Ties under Trump 2.0
The visit comes as India prepares to work with the second Trump administration, following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. Trump secured a historic return to the White House, becoming only the second US president to serve two non-consecutive terms, after Grover Cleveland.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the US under Trump’s leadership. “We share a robust strategic partnership, and in recent years, this relationship has reached new heights. We look forward to working closely with the new administration to address global challenges and deepen our collaboration,” he said.
Significance of Sullivan’s Visit
This visit underscores the shared commitment of India and the US to tackling global and regional issues. It also reaffirms the strategic importance of the India-US partnership in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, setting the stage for further engagement between the two democracies.