NSA Sullivan will visit New Delhi to discuss shared India-US priorities with new government: White House

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit India to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government in New Delhi, the White House has said, as Narendra Modi prepares to be sworn in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term.

NSA Sullivan’s visit was discussed during President Joe Biden’s phone call with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to congratulate him on his re-election.

“President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election,” the White House said about the call.

Mr Biden also praised the people of India for participating in the elections, where nearly 650 million people voted, the readout said.

It said the two leaders underlined their commitment to deepen the US-India comprehensive and global strategic partnership and advance their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming visit to New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities, including a trusted, strategic technology partnership with the new government,” the White House said.

NSA : The dates of Mr Sullivan’s visit to India have not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place within a few days of Modi being sworn in for the third time.

In a separate statement, Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, congratulated the people of India on the successful completion of the election, which saw votes cast at over one million polling stations across the country in just a few weeks.

He said, “The people of India have once again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process by voting this year despite the scorching heat.”

“The US-India partnership is and will remain vital to regional and global prosperity for many years to come. I look forward to strengthening this relationship, and I believe it will endure as long as it is based on mutual respect and trust, and a commitment to democratic values,” he said.

“As political leaders begin forming a new government, I reiterate my support for the continued efforts of the people of India to strengthen justice and the rule of law, enhance transparent governance, and protect human rights,” Cardin said.

Cisco’s Honorary Chairman John Chambers congratulated Modi on his third term in a post on LinkedIn.

He said, “When I think of my first meeting with Prime Minister Modi, I remember being immediately impressed by his humble yet courageous spirit and his bold vision for India. His Digital India initiative is one of the best I have ever seen, and recent major partnerships in defence, technology and other sectors are a clear indication of the country’s growth momentum.”

“As I said at the Kennedy Center last June, I would bet my life on Prime Minister Modi and I believe India will become the #1 GDP country in the world, due in large part to his efforts. I look forward to working with him as Chair of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum to make the U.S.-India partnership one of the strongest in the world. Keep an eye on India – I, as an individual, will continue to be the biggest bull for the country under his leadership,” Chambers said.

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