On January 6-7, 2025, departing U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to India for a major farewell tour. As the Biden administration gets ready to hand over power to the incoming Trump government, this visit comes at a critical moment. Enhancing strategic connections between the United States and India, especially in the areas of technology and defense, will be the main topic of Sullivan’s talks.
Sullivan will present the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) as a major topic. This program, which was started in May 2022, intends to strengthen cooperation in a number of fields, such as biotechnology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense research. As both countries work to offset China’s influence in these fields, this collaboration is essential.
Sullivan is expected to meet with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is anticipated that these sessions will guarantee continuity in U.S.-Indian relations under the new leadership and strengthen the foundation established under the Biden administration.
Sullivan will interact with students and civil society during his tour in addition to holding formal discussions, emphasizing the value of public diplomacy in fostering closer bilateral relations.
In addition to being a farewell gift, Sullivan’s visit is noteworthy as a calculated move to strengthen ties between the United States and India in advance of a change in leadership in Washington. It is anticipated that the talks would cover current security issues, such as cybersecurity risks and common Indo-Pacific difficulties. The focus on technology collaboration is part of a larger trend of the two countries becoming more aligned in the face of global geopolitical changes.
Additionally, Sullivan has been actively managing the situation through diplomatic channels, and the trip takes place amid a backdrop of tense relations brought on by accusations that Indian officials were involved in international incidents. His goal is to prevent these difficulties from upsetting the strategic alliance that has been developed in recent years.
As both nations negotiate a changing global environment characterized by technology competitiveness and regional security dynamics, Jake Sullivan’s final visit to India is expected to be a significant step in strengthening Indo-U.S. strategic ties.
