US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi on Monday to discuss efforts aimed at advancing US-India civil nuclear cooperation.
Sullivan announced that the US is in the process of finalising the necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will foster stronger collaboration in nuclear energy and support the development of resilient clean energy supply chains.
In a statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it was revealed that Sullivan briefed Indian officials on updates to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
These updates are expected to significantly enhance US commercial space cooperation with India.
“Reflecting the progress the United States and India have made – and will continue to make – as strategic partners, NSA Sullivan announced US efforts to finalise the necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains,” the MEA press release stated.
Sullivan was accompanied by a senior delegation of US government officials during his visit, which included a high-level dialogue with Doval on a broad array of bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Their discussions have focused on advancing the India-US strategic relationship, with a particular emphasis on emerging technologies.
The visit also followed the launch of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), which was introduced in May 2022 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during the Quad Summit in Tokyo.
Since then, Doval and Sullivan have worked to drive tangible initiatives in areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Defence, and Space.
The two National Security Advisers also took the opportunity to review the progress made in their ongoing dialogue, which covers diverse fields such as Defence, Cybersecurity, and Maritime Security, according to the MEA press release.
Sullivan’s visit included a stop at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he commended Doval’s efforts in propelling US-India partnerships across multiple projects.
During his address at IIT Delhi, Sullivan acknowledged the crucial role of advanced technologies in shaping the future of the US-India relationship.
“I would like to recognise my counterpart, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, because it was in part his vision that technology – particularly advanced technologies of the future – would be a propellant for the US-India relationship in a way that could take our two countries forward, advance our respective interests, protect our values, and build a better world for everyone,” Sullivan said.
He further emphasised the deep professional and personal relationship that he and Doval have developed over the past four years, which has played a significant role in bringing the US-India partnership to new heights.
Sullivan also outlined potential areas for increased collaboration, including biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence.
“In an era of renewed geopolitical competition, the US and India have to collaborate on the development, diffusion, and protection of critical technologies, from artificial intelligence to biotechnology and beyond,” he said.
Reflecting on the countries' achievements over the past few years, Sullivan highlighted the joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the distribution of vaccines.
He also pointed to the successful launch of initiatives on jet engines, semiconductors, and clean energy. Looking ahead, Sullivan noted that in the coming months, India and the US would collaborate on sending an Indian astronaut into space.
“Over the last four years, we’ve joined hands to help halt the pandemic and bring vaccines to the world. We’ve launched initiatives on jet engines, semiconductors, and clean energy, and in a few months, we’ll come together to put an Indian astronaut in space. These are remarkable achievements, and we made them by harnessing the remarkable innovation of the American and Indian people,” Sullivan said.
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