In a significant step towards reinforcing India-U.S. strategic cooperation, U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Mr. Michael Waltz met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025, in New Delhi. The high-level meeting focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in defense, emerging technologies, energy security, and counterterrorism—key pillars of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Key Areas of Discussion
During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on deepening cooperation across multiple domains, including:
1️⃣ Strategic Technologies and Defense Industrial Cooperation
🔹 Strengthening joint development and manufacturing of defense technologies
🔹 Enhancing collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing
🔹 Boosting co-production initiatives under the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
2️⃣ Civil Nuclear Energy & Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
🔹 Expanding India-U.S. civil nuclear cooperation, particularly in deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for clean energy solutions
🔹 Facilitating technology transfers to support India’s energy transition goals
🔹 Encouraging public-private partnerships in next-generation nuclear technologies
3️⃣ Counterterrorism and Regional Security
🔹 Strengthening intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation
🔹 Addressing threats posed by cross-border terrorism and cyber threats
🔹 Enhancing defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure a free, open, and rules-based order
Geopolitical and Regional Discussions
Prime Minister Modi and NSA Waltz also exchanged views on pressing global and regional issues, including:
✔ Security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening QUAD (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) cooperation
✔ Addressing concerns over supply chain disruptions and economic security
✔ Joint efforts in space security and climate resilience
Strengthening the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepening defense, energy, and technology collaborations. The discussions also laid the groundwork for:
✔ Expanding defense trade and innovation collaborations
✔ Advancing clean energy initiatives, including nuclear energy and hydrogen partnerships
✔ Strengthening regional stability and maritime security efforts
This high-level engagement is expected to pave the way for further strategic agreements, reinforcing India and the U.S. as key partners in global security and technological advancement.