America Jake Sullivan India visit NSA new government America India priorities Narendra Modi

Washington, June 6 (PTI) US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit India where he will discuss shared US-India priorities with the new administration in New Delhi, the White House has said, even as Narendra Modi prepares to be sworn in as prime minister for a third consecutive term.

Sullivan’s visit was discussed during President Joe Biden’s phone call with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to congratulate him on his re-election.

“President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election,” the White House said about the call.

Biden also praised the people of India for participating in the elections, where nearly 650 million people voted, the readout said.

It said the two leaders underlined their commitment to deepen the US-India comprehensive and global strategic partnership and advance their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming visit to New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities, including a trusted, strategic technology partnership with the new government,” the White House said.

The dates of Sullivan’s visit to India have not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place within a few days of Modi being sworn in for the third time.

In a separate statement, Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, congratulated the people of India on the successful completion of the election, which saw votes cast at over one million polling stations across the country in just a few weeks.

He said, “The people of India have once again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process by voting this year despite the scorching heat.”

“The US-India partnership is and will remain vital to regional and global prosperity for many years to come. I look forward to strengthening this relationship, and I believe it will endure as long as it is based on mutual respect and trust, and a commitment to democratic values,” he said.

“As political leaders begin forming a new government, I reiterate my support for the continued efforts of the people of India to strengthen justice and the rule of law, enhance transparent governance, and protect human rights,” Cardin said.

Cisco Chairman Emeritus John Chambers congratulated Modi on his third term in a post on LinkedIn.

He said, “When I think of my first meeting with Prime Minister Modi, I remember being immediately impressed by his humble yet courageous spirit and his bold vision for India. His Digital India initiative is one of the best I have ever seen, and recent major partnerships in defence, technology and other sectors are a clear indication of the country’s growth momentum.”

“As I said at the Kennedy Center last June, I trust Prime Minister Modi more than my life and I believe India will become the #1 GDP country in the world, in large part due to his efforts. I look forward to working with him as Chair of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum to make the U.S.-India partnership one of the strongest in the world. Watch India – I, as an individual, will continue to be the biggest bull for the country under his leadership,” Chambers said. PTI LKJ Sky Sky Sky