Amidst ongoing tensions in Middle East, Jake Sullivan delays visit to India

Amidst ongoing developments in the Middle East, United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan has postponed his trip to India scheduled for this week. The decision was announced by a spokesperson from the US Embassy, who also expressed NSA Sullivan’s anticipation for rescheduling the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) annual review at the earliest possible opportunity. The spokesperson emphasized Sullivan’s personal commitment to advancing the significant and multifaceted partnership between the United States and India.

Simultaneously, President Joe Biden is looking forward to the next meeting of Quad leaders, as stated by the same US Embassy spokesperson. This highlights the ongoing efforts between the United States and India to achieve tangible outcomes for both nations and their partners in line with their shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier plans had Sullivan slated to visit New Delhi on April 17, but due to global crises in Ukraine and West Asia, the annual iCET review meeting was rescheduled. iCET, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in May 2022, aims to facilitate outcome-oriented cooperation in new and emerging technologies, co-led by India’s National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the US National Security Council (NSC).

In February of this year, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane underscored the robust defence partnership between India and the US during the second edition of the INDUS-X Summit in New Delhi. He highlighted initiatives like iCET, emphasizing the Defence Innovation Bridge as a significant outcome, fostering collaboration between US and Indian startups in the defence sector.

Additionally, in a routine State Department briefing, spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the importance of US-India relations, characterizing India as a vital strategic partner. “India is the world’s largest democracy, it is an important strategic partner of the United States, and I expect that to remain true,” Miller stated during a daily press briefing on Monday.