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The article highlights a recent phone conversation between Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan, focusing on regional security developments. The call occurred amidst heightened tensions between India and the US, particularly following US sanctions on four Indian companies for their alleged involvement in aiding Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. This call signifies the ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region, a critical strategic area for both nations.
The White House statement detailing the conversation emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally. The two NSAs also discussed progress in their bilateral partnership, including upcoming initiatives like the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and the Indian Ocean Dialogue. They explored avenues for closer collaboration in key domains, including clean energy supply chains and defense cooperation.
The article further highlights the context of this call, noting it comes after a US court indictment naming an intelligence official, Vikash Yadav, as a key conspirator in an alleged assassination plot against pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Canadian government has also recently accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of involvement in targeting Khalistan separatists. These incidents underscore the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the India-US relationship.
The article emphasizes the importance of the iCET initiative in strengthening India-US ties. Notably, Doval's absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit in September, due to domestic commitments, highlights the strategic significance of the NSA level communication. The article also mentions a US court summons issued to Doval and other intelligence officials following a lawsuit filed by Pannun, alleging an assassination plot. India has strongly refuted these accusations as unfounded and unsubstantiated.
Source: NSA Ajit Doval speaks to US counterpart Jake Sullivan on ‘regional security developments’