In a significant step towards deepening the strategic ties between India and the United States, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Shri Ajit Doval met with U.S. National Security Adviser Mr. Jake Sullivan in New Delhi today, marking another milestone in the two nations’ growing partnership. NSA Sullivan was accompanied by a senior delegation of U.S. government officials, underscoring the importance of this engagement.
The meeting was part of the ongoing high-level dialogue between the two countries, focused on advancing bilateral cooperation across a broad range of critical, emerging, and global security issues. The discussions, which have been regularly held between the two NSAs, cover various domains, including defense, technology, cyber security, and regional stability.
A Shared Vision for Global Security
The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to review the substantial progress made in areas of mutual interest. The strategic partnership between India and the U.S. has witnessed rapid growth since the launch of the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joseph Biden at the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022. The initiative, which emphasizes collaboration in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Defence, and Space, has been at the heart of discussions between both nations.
During the meeting, the two National Security Advisers discussed the successful implementation of several initiatives under the iCET framework, emphasizing their shared commitment to technological innovation and defense modernization. Both sides agreed on the importance of continued cooperation in ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, addressing cyber threats, and enhancing maritime security.
Strengthening Defence and Space Ties
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the briefing provided by NSA Jake Sullivan on recent updates to U.S. missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). These updates are expected to significantly boost U.S.-India cooperation in the space sector, particularly in commercial space initiatives. The loosening of certain restrictions will pave the way for deeper collaboration between U.S. and Indian space agencies, opening new avenues for technological advancements and joint ventures in space exploration, satellite technology, and other aerospace endeavors.
Both sides also discussed the growing defense collaboration between the two nations. This includes joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and expanded cooperation on security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The two NSAs reiterated their commitment to working together to maintain peace and stability in the region, with a focus on countering emerging threats.
Advancing Civil Nuclear Cooperation
In a major development, NSA Sullivan announced U.S. efforts to finalize the delisting of Indian nuclear entities from the U.S. export control lists, a move that will further enhance the potential for civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. This development is a significant step forward in the two nations’ shared commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation, and it will strengthen India’s position as a key partner in the global clean energy transition.
The delisting will facilitate India’s access to advanced technologies and materials, enabling both nations to expand their collaboration in nuclear energy and bolster clean energy supply chains. The announcement was welcomed by India, as it highlights the growing trust and collaboration in the energy sector.
The Road Ahead
The discussions between NSA Doval and NSA Sullivan reflect the growing convergence between India and the U.S. on a range of strategic issues. With both countries now firmly positioned as key partners in global security, the focus is on translating this strategic alignment into tangible outcomes that benefit both nations and contribute to regional and global stability.
As the two countries continue to engage in high-level dialogues, the partnership between India and the U.S. is expected to expand across other areas, including counterterrorism, climate change, and regional geopolitics, with both nations working together to address global challenges.
A Strategic and Global Partnership
India and the U.S. have come a long way since their initial engagements on defense and security matters, with the relationship evolving into one of the most dynamic and robust strategic partnerships in the world today. The mutual commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, shared values of democracy and the rule of law, and collaboration on global security challenges continue to define this evolving partnership.
Today’s discussions are expected to pave the way for even deeper cooperation in the coming years, with both sides reaffirming their shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous world.