US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India early next week, with his trip centred around reviewing the progress of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). This landmark initiative seeks to bolster collaboration between the two nations in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and defence innovation.
Sullivan’s visit marks a significant engagement between the two strategic partners and is expected to be the final high-profile trip to New Delhi under the outgoing Biden administration. With President Donald Trump set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, Sullivan’s discussions will reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to solidifying India-US ties.
Key meetings and agenda
Sullivan is anticipated to arrive in Delhi on 6 January for wide-ranging talks with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. While the visit has not been officially announced, diplomatic sources indicate that the two leaders will focus on the implementation and future roadmap of the iCET.
The initiative, launched in May 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden, represents a cornerstone of the India-US strategic partnership. It aims to foster deeper cooperation in critical technology sectors and drive innovation in areas such as advanced telecommunications, defence technology, and critical minerals.
During the visit, both sides are expected to assess progress on transformative initiatives rolled out in 2023, including advancements in semiconductor manufacturing and critical mineral exploration. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties during Biden’s tenure.
Broader strategic review
Apart from iCET, Sullivan and Doval are likely to engage in a comprehensive review of the overall India-US strategic relationship. This includes evaluating achievements in defence, trade, and technological collaboration over the past few years.
The visit comes shortly after India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, concluded a six-day tour of the US, during which key areas of bilateral cooperation were discussed. Sullivan is also expected to meet with Minister Jaishankar and other senior officials to align the ongoing diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.
Significance of the iCET
The India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies has been heralded as one of the most significant efforts to emerge from the Biden administration’s foreign policy framework. Designed to position both countries as global leaders in critical technologies, the initiative has already seen substantial progress in semiconductors, telecommunications, and defence.
In 2023, both sides unveiled several transformative projects, including joint research in artificial intelligence and initiatives to secure supply chains for critical minerals. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on third-party nations and establish India and the US as key players in global technological ecosystems.
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Strategic continuity amid transition
Sullivan’s visit underscores the importance of continuity in the India-US relationship, even as the Biden administration prepares to hand over power. Analysts view this engagement as an effort to solidify key initiatives and ensure a seamless transition in policy priorities under the incoming Trump administration.
Given the bipartisan consensus on strengthening ties with India, the discussions in New Delhi are expected to highlight areas of mutual interest and lay the groundwork for future collaboration.
Anticipated outcomes
While the specifics of Sullivan’s agenda remain undisclosed, experts anticipate that the visit will yield concrete measures to further institutionalise iCET. Discussions may also extend to broader geopolitical concerns, including regional security in the Indo-Pacific and countering emerging global threats.
The visit is likely to reinforce the shared vision of India and the US as technology-driven democracies committed to fostering innovation and global stability.
As Sullivan prepares to conclude his tenure with this crucial visit, it reflects the enduring strength of the India-US partnership—a relationship poised to grow even further in the years to come.
