PM Modi’s US visit designed to remove defence, high trade defence obstacles: Jake Sullivan

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has stated that the United States plans to eliminate barriers that currently impede defence and high-tech trade with India. Sullivan’s announcement highlights the US government’s intention to foster smoother collaboration with India in these critical areas.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on Tuesday that the United States intends to eliminate barriers hindering smoother trade with India, particularly in the areas of defence and high technology.

Despite differing approaches to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US recognizes India as a crucial partner in countering China’s global influence. Jake Sullivan’s visit to India aims to finalize preparations for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Washington on June 22, which is expected to be a significant milestone in US-India relations.

Large number of deliverables are on the agenda: Jake Sullivan

“As we look ahead to the state visit Prime Minister Modi will be embarking upon in Washington next week… a number of the deliverables at the visit are not just bullet points on a page,” Sullivan told a meeting of business and industry in New Delhi. Sullivan emphasized that the deliverables during Modi’s visit encompass more than mere bullet points, emphasizing their purpose to address obstacles in defence and high-tech trade, investment, scientific collaboration, and the removal of barriers that have impeded researchers and scientists in both countries.

Jake Sullivan said, “They are fundamentally designed to remove those obstacles in defence trade, in high-tech trade, in investment in each of our countries, in taking away obstacles that have stood in the way of our scientists and researchers.” The focus areas for collaboration include research and development, 5G and 6G telecommunications technology, semiconductor supply chains, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, and the removal of barriers to strategic trade.

This collaborative effort follows a partnership launched in January aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the US and India against China in military equipment, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. In a recent development, the Biden administration is reportedly close to finalizing a deal that would permit General Electric Co to manufacture jet engines for Indian military aircraft within India.

Jake Sullivan meets Prime Minister Modi and NSA Ajit Doval

Sullivan held discussions with Prime Minister Modi, and counterpart Ajit Doval, and is scheduled to meet Doval and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during his two-day visit. The Indian Foreign Ministry’s statement highlighted the encouragement from Sullivan and Doval for technology value-chain partnerships that facilitate the co-development and co-production of high-tech products and services in both countries.

During his state visit, Prime Minister Modi has been invited to address a joint session of Congress, a rare honour bestowed upon a leader who was previously denied a US visa due to concerns over human rights.