New Delhi:
In a significant diplomatic gesture, outgoing US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan chose India for his final overseas trip, marking a high point in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi on January 5-6 underscored the robust technological and strategic cooperation that has defined the US-India partnership over the past four years.
During his address at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Sullivan announced that the United States is finalizing the removal of long-standing regulations that have hindered civil nuclear cooperation between Indian nuclear entities and US companies. This move, he emphasized, is a crucial step in realizing the vision of civil nuclear cooperation laid out nearly 20 years ago by former President George W. Bush and former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“We have yet to fully realize this vision, but as we work to build clean energy technologies, enable growth in artificial intelligence, and help US and Indian energy companies unlock their innovation potential, the Biden administration has determined it is past time to take the next major step,” Sullivan stated. He added that the formal paperwork is being completed to delist Indian nuclear entities from restricted US lists, paving the way for deep collaboration with American private sector entities, scientists, and technologists.
Sullivan expressed optimism about the future of technological cooperation between the two countries. “This is likely the last trip overseas that I will lead as NSA, and I cannot think of a better way to end my tenure in the White House than by visiting India to mark the advances we have made together,” he said. He envisioned a future where American and Indian firms would work together on cutting-edge technologies, including semiconductor development and space exploration.
The visit also included meetings with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including strategic technology cooperation, defense partnerships, and shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the strength of the bilateral ties, attributing the progress not just to governmental efforts but also to the contributions of people, institutions, thinkers, and researchers from both countries. He also paid tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter, who had played a significant role in fostering US-India relations.
As the Biden administration concludes its term, Sullivan’s visit symbolizes the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another in the US-India relationship, marked by a commitment to continued cooperation and innovation.
