Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, going even in technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
PM Modi made this observation as the outgoing US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan called on him in New Delhi before wrapping up his two-day India visit.
"It was a pleasure to meet the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in the areas of technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Look forward to building upon this momentum in ties between our two democracies for the benefit of our people and global good," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
It was a pleasure meeting the US National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46. India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in the areas of technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Look forward to building… pic.twitter.com/GcU5MtW4CV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 6, 2025
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said Prime Minister Modi and Sullivan "positively assessed" the significant advancement in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership over the last four years.
PM Modi also "deeply appreciated" a letter from President Biden handed over to him by NSA Sullivan as he reaffirmed his commitment to continue to solidify the close cooperation between the two countries.
"Recalling his various meetings with President Biden, including during his visit to the US in September 2024 for the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM appreciated President Biden's contributions towards strengthening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which leaves an enduring legacy," read the statement issued by the PMO.
PM Modi also wished the best for President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Earlier in the day, Sullivan called on EAM S Jaishankar to discuss a wide range of strategic, regional, and bilateral issues.
"Delighted to meet US NSA Jake Sullivan in New Delhi today morning. Continued our ongoing discussions on deepening bilateral, regional and global cooperation. Valued the openness of our conversations in the last four years. Appreciated his personal contribution to forging a closer and stronger India-US partnership," said Mr Jaishankar.
The two sides were said to discuss strategic, regional, and bilateral issues ranging from the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) during Sullivan's stay in the capital.
The White House had stated over the weekend that Sullivan is visiting India "for a capstone meeting" with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval that will span a range of issues across the breadth of India-US partnership -- from space, defence, strategic technology cooperation, all the way also to shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
"This will be Mr. Sullivan's last journey to the Indo-Pacific region as National Security Advisor. He is really excited and eagerly looking forward to these conversations at this critical time," commented White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby.
This visit comes at a time when US President Joe Biden is leaving office on January 20 as Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office to become the country's 47th president.
Both NSAs have acknowledged that the iCET, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in May 2022, would play a defining role in deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
In June 2024, while speaking at an iCET roundtable with Sullivan, NSA Doval had highlighted that India and the US must be at the cutting edge of technology - especially in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, bio-tech and other emerging technologies - to protect and defend their value systems.
"iCET has achieved more than what we could imagine," said Doval, referring to the progress on the defence innovation roadmap and startups while underlining the importance of the growing semiconductor industry.
Sullivan mentioned three buckets for technology partnerships -- innovation, production, and deployment -- while stressing that government support was necessary for the private sector.
"There is bipartisan support for Indian industry in the US and building the ecosystem and supply chain manufacturing is the key to production," he told the industry leaders, last year.
"The core of iCET is about the idea of India and US being able to support each other and to encourage greater collaboration in the technology ecosystem, jointly innovate and find solutions to challenges," said Sullivan.
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