The third round of the exercise on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue is scheduled for Monday between current US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. The purpose of this session is, therefore, to enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and to further the talks on technology upgrades as well as on technology exports to India. Whereas Sullivan’s visit was tantamount to a farewell one, both sides are expected to concentrate on cementing cooperation on stimulating the development of the Middle-East Economic Corridor – one of the major projects whose actions have been hampered by the conflict in Gaza.
Nevertheless, according to officials, the MEEC initiative may be gearing up for a start, having gained from Israel in the current conflict with Iran-backed militias in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Moreover, the countries that have concluded the Abraham Accords stipulated by the trump administration are also expected to join this economic project, making the latter popular.
While Ajit Doval, chief of the Indian National Security Adviser, has talked to incoming US NSA Mike Waltz, Sullivan’s call will be an official one, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely meet him. Such a gesture bears the potential to emphasize the contribution made by Sullivan towards the development of the Indian-American relationship during his term.
He has played an active role in bringing closer defense and technology partnerships, some of them being F-414 jet engine sales between US defense major General Electric and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Sullivan also supported India’s attempts to cut its dependence on China for semiconductors and chips and foster high-technology telecom, quantum, and space technologies.
It was Sullivan who used pressure on Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and, at the same, maintained the renewed and warm relationship between India and US irrespective of the problems like Khalistani terrorism G.S Pannun. Sullivan’s diplomatic acumen and pro-activity to deepen India-US bilateral relations have impressed PM Modi and the strategic community in India.
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