In addition to his high-level meetings, Sullivan will interact with students and civil society as part of his public engagements.
US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan is set to visit India on Monday. The visit takes place when the President Joe Biden-led US administration is about to complete its four-year term; it is preparing to hand over the reign of power to the administration-led by Donald Trump.

 During his visit, Sullivan is expected to meet with key Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, and his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval.

Key agenda of US NSA’s visit
Sullivan’s visit on January 6 takes place when India and the US have seen deepening of relations between the two countries in the areas of security, defence and high technology.  

During the US NSA’s visit, there is likelihood that the US-India Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) receives a further boost. iCET aims to foster cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and space.

The initiative, jointly led by Doval and Sullivan, has been a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s efforts to deepen strategic and technological ties with India. Ensuring its continuity under the Trump administration will likely be a priority.

Sullivan’s visit will highlight the bipartisan commitment to the India-US partnership. The visit underscores the enduring strength of bilateral relations, even during periods of political transition in Washington.

Challenges and opportunities
The visit takes place against a backdrop of significant global shift. Sullivan has played a key role in addressing complex global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and the growing influence of China.

In his meetings with Indian leaders, he is expected to discuss strategies to counter Beijing’s assertiveness, particularly in emerging technology sectors where India seeks to play a more significant role in global supply chains.

In addition to his high-level meetings, Sullivan will interact with students and civil society as part of his public engagements. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering people-to-people connections between India and the US.

India-US ties  
During a recent visit to Washington, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met both Sullivan and his likely successor, Congressman Michael Waltz. This marked the first high-level contact between Indian officials and members of the incoming Trump administration. These engagements reflect India’s proactive approach to ensuring continuity and strength in its strategic partnership with the US.

Addressing media queries at a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the depth and resilience of India-US relations. He stated, “The India-US partnership is expansive, encompassing strong economic and technological collaboration. Mobility of skilled professionals remains a crucial component, benefiting both nations.” Jaiswal added that India looks forward to deepening ties with the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump.

Strengthening iCET and strategic cooperation
The iCET initiative, which Sullivan and Doval have jointly led, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing relations between India and the US. As global leaders in technology, both nations aim to leverage their strengths to drive innovation and enhance security. 

With China’s rapid advancements in these sectors, India seeks greater collaboration with the US to bolster its capabilities and integrate into the global technology ecosystem.

Part of Sullivan’s discussions will focus on ensuring that iCET continues to flourish under the Trump administration. His efforts to “ringfence” this initiative will be instrumental in sustaining momentum in bilateral cooperation across key domains.

In addition to his strategic engagements, Sullivan’s interactions with students and civil society will provide an opportunity to highlight the shared democratic values that underpin India-US relations. His visit is also seen as a farewell gesture from the Biden administration, reaffirming the bipartisan nature of the partnership.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the continuity of India-US relations remains a priority for both nations. Sullivan’s visit symbolizes the strength of this partnership and its importance in addressing global challenges.

The emphasis on critical technologies, economic ties, and people-to-people connections ensures that the India-US relationship will remain robust and dynamic in the years to come.
India and the US have navigated numerous challenges together, building a partnership based on mutual trust and shared interests. Sullivan’s visit marks the culmination of one chapter and the beginning of another, as both nations look to the future with optimism and resolve.