U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India to engage with the newly elected government in New Delhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to be sworn in for a third consecutive term, according to the White House. While the specific dates of Sullivan's visit have not been disclosed, it is expected to coincide with Modi's oath-taking ceremony, likely to occur on Saturday evening, June 8.
The announcement of Sullivan's visit was made following a phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday, during which Biden congratulated Modi on his re-election victory. In a statement released by the White House, it was noted, "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."
Biden praised the people of India for participating in the largest democratic exercise in human history, with nearly 650 million voters casting their ballots, according to the press briefing. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and advancing their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the White House statement said.
"The two leaders emphasized their commitment to deepening the U.S.-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and to advancing their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also discussed National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s upcoming travel to New Delhi to engage the new government on shared U.S.-India priorities, including the trusted, strategic technology partnership."
Biden highlighted the strong "friendship" between the U.S. and India during the call, a sentiment echoed by other senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who also conveyed congratulatory messages. In response to Biden's outreach, Modi expressed his pleasure at receiving the call from his "friend."
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