The White House has announced that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit India to engage with the newly formed government in New Delhi on shared U.S.-India priorities. This announcement coincides with Narendra Modi’s upcoming swearing-in as prime minister for a third consecutive term, according to PTI.
President Joe Biden highlighted Sullivan’s visit during a call with PM 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 stated in a readout of the call, as quoted by PTI.
Biden also commended the Indian electorate for their participation, with nearly 650 million voters turning out for the elections.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and advancing their shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming trip to New Delhi to engage with the new government on shared U.S.-India priorities, including the trusted strategic technology partnership,” the White House noted.
Although Sullivan’s travel dates have not been announced, his visit is expected shortly after Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Separately, Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, congratulated the people of India for successfully conducting their elections, with voting at over a million polling stations nationwide over several weeks.
“The people of India have again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process, casting their votes despite this year’s intense heatwaves,” he said.
“The U.S.-India partnership is, and will remain, crucial for regional and global prosperity for many years to come. I look forward to strengthening this relationship, which I believe will endure as long as it is based on mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to democratic values,” he added.
“As political leaders begin forming a new government, I reaffirm my support for the people of India in their continued efforts to strengthen justice and the rule of law, enhance transparent governance, and safeguard human rights,” Cardin stated.
John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus of Cisco, also congratulated Modi on his third term in a LinkedIn post.
“When I reflect on my first meeting with PM Modi, I was immediately struck by his humble yet courageous spirit and bold vision for India. His Digital India initiative is one of the best I have ever seen, and recent major partnerships in defense, technology, and more clearly indicate the country’s growth trajectory,” he said.
“As I mentioned at the Kennedy Center last June, I trust PM Modi with my life and believe India will become the #1 GDP in the world, largely due to his efforts. I look forward to further collaboration to make the U.S.-India partnership the strongest globally as Chairman of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum. Keep an eye on India – I, for one, will continue to be the biggest advocate for the country under his leadership,” Chambers added.
