Amid preparations for a change of power in the U.S., American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited India and held a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reportedly, their discussions on Monday included topics such as the bilateral meeting under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) concerning the Indian Ocean region and the ongoing war situation in West Asia.
After the meeting, Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Delighted to meet Jake Sullivan. The India-U.S. strategic partnership has reached new heights across various fields, including technology, defense, space, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. I look forward to further accelerating the momentum of our partnership for the benefit of our people and the welfare of the world.”
Sullivan remarked on Monday that advanced technological cooperation would play a crucial role in strengthening India-U.S. relations in the coming days. He also emphasized U.S. support for India’s nuclear agencies.
Notably, this is Sullivan’s last foreign trip as National Security Advisor under outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration.
On January 20, Donald Trump will take office as U.S. President for a second term. Sullivan’s position will be succeeded by Trump’s nominee, Michael Waltz. Diplomatic experts believe that sending Sullivan to India before the new administration takes charge was aimed at ensuring that issues like the bribery case against industrialist Gautam Adani and the conspiracy allegations involving India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval do not impact the broader India-U.S. strategic relationship.
It is worth mentioning that last Monday, the Eastern District Court of New York decided to proceed with the criminal and civil trials related to the bribery case against the Adani Group.
Additionally, a few months ago, the Southern District Court of New York summoned Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the Khalistan-supporting organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), over allegations of a conspiracy to attempt murder.
Before meeting Modi, Sullivan also held discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He participated in a seminar organized by IIT Delhi as well.