New Delhi: In a strategic phone conversation, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Indian counterpart, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership, focusing on enhanced collaboration to bolster global and regional stability, particularly in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
The conversation underscored the rapid expansion of the US-India military partnership, emphasising the crucial role of shared interests in critical technologies like artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, unmanned systems, quantum physics, and undersea domain awareness. This collaboration, they stressed, is vital for protecting and advancing a shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based global order.
Sullivan and Doval expressed their enthusiasm for upcoming initiatives, including the iCET Intersessional (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) and the Indian Ocean Dialogue, highlighting these platforms as crucial drivers of innovation and cooperation. They acknowledged the remarkable progress made in recent years and stressed the importance of these initiatives in fostering a robust partnership.
Beyond defence, the conversation touched upon opportunities for collaboration in clean energy supply chains. Recognizing the shared challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape, the two emphasised the need to work together to address common concerns and bolster security in the region.
Key areas of focus for the enhanced collaboration include:
Clean Energy Supply Chains: Exploring joint development and cooperation in clean energy, recognizing the importance of transitioning to a sustainable future.
Defence Cooperation: Deepening the partnership through co-production and co-development of major defence systems, fostering a shared vision of regional security.
Indian Ocean Dialogue: Strengthening maritime security and regional collaboration through the Indian Ocean Dialogue, addressing common concerns and promoting stability.
Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET): Accelerating and scaling up commercial technologies with military applications, harnessing the power of innovation for national security.
With India’s growing commitment to playing a more active role in the international arena, including its involvement in the Indo-Pacific Quad, the US-India partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of regional stability, safeguarding shared interests and promoting a secure and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
