US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, with both sides holding wide-ranging discussions on defence cooperation, strategic technologies, counterterrorism and regional security ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting later this week.
The talks focused on strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on the TRUST initiative — Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology — which seeks to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, energy, space and critical minerals.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Rubio and Doval discussed defence, security and strategic technology-related cooperation, including the TRUST initiative, while also exchanging views on regional and global developments.
“The two NSAs reiterated the high priority accorded to the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues,” the MEA said.
Rubio, who also serves as the US National Security Advisor, discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and reviewed ongoing strategic coordination between the two countries.
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The US Embassy in India said the discussions also covered counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability.
“Secretary Rubio joined an important meeting with NSA Doval focused on counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening U.S.-India strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific,” the Embassy posted on X.
Earlier in the day, Rubio held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, including trade, energy, defence, AI, critical minerals and civil nuclear cooperation.
Rubio is on a four-day visit to India and will participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for Tuesday. India is hosting the high-level dialogue involving the United States, Japan and Australia amid growing focus on Indo-Pacific security and evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia.