President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reiterate their commitment to strengthening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit New Delhi to engage with the newly elected Indian government, the White House announced. The visit was discussed during US President Joe Biden's congratulatory call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 5, 2024), following the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory in the recent general elections.
 
During the phone call, President Biden extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Modi and the NDA for their electoral success. He also commended the Indian populace for their participation in what he termed as the "largest democratic exercise in human history," highlighting the nearly 650 million voters who cast their ballots.
 
The White House readout of the call revealed that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi discussed NSA Sullivan's upcoming visit, emphasizing its significance in engaging the new Indian government on shared US-India priorities. These priorities include deepening the trusted and strategic technology partnership between the two nations.
 
"The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming travel to New Delhi to engage the new government on shared US-India priorities, including the trusted, strategic technology partnership," stated the White House readout.
 
President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reiterated their commitment to strengthening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and to advancing their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the White House added.
 
During the phone call, President Biden praised the resilience and dedication of the Indian electorate, noting the significant voter turnout. “The President also commended the people of India for participating in the largest democratic exercise in human history, with nearly 650 million going to the polls to vote,” the White House readout noted.
 
The announcement of Sullivan's visit underscores the importance the Biden administration places on its relationship with India. President Biden himself highlighted the strong friendship between the two nations in a social media post, which was followed by similar congratulatory messages from other senior members of his administration, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
 
Prime Minister Modi responded positively to President Biden's post, expressing his pleasure at receiving the call from his "friend" and underscoring the mutual respect and cooperation that characterize the US-India relationship.
 
The upcoming visit by NSA Sullivan is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the bilateral ties and to engage with the new Indian government on key issues of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including defence cooperation, trade, and investment, as well as collaborations in science and technology.
 
Sullivan's agenda is likely to include meetings with senior Indian officials to discuss the ongoing efforts to enhance the strategic partnership. This includes initiatives aimed at promoting a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, which is a priority for both nations given the current geopolitical dynamics.
 
The US and India have enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship, with significant cooperation in various fields such as defence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and space exploration. The upcoming visit by NSA Sullivan is expected to build on this foundation, furthering the strategic dialogue and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
 
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to be sworn in for his third term, the engagement between the two nations is poised to deepen, focusing on shared priorities and a common vision for a prosperous future. The senior US official’s visit will mark a crucial step in strengthening the ties between the world's two largest democracies, highlighting their commitment to working together on global and regional challenges.