US National Security Advisor Postpones India Visit Amid Middle East Tensions

US National Security Advisor Postpones India Visit Amid Middle East Tensions

The National Security Advisor of the United States, Jake Sullivan, has postponed his scheduled visit to India this week amid ongoing events in the Middle East, the US Embassy spokesperson said. “Due to ongoing events in the Middle East, NSA Sullivan has postponed his trip to India this week. NSA Sullivan looks forward to holding the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) annual review at the next earliest possible date and remains personally committed to advancing our deeply consequential and multifaceted partnership with India,” the spokesperson stated.

The iCET initiative was launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in 2022 to facilitate cooperation in new and emerging technologies between the two countries. Sullivan was originally expected to travel to India on April 17 for the annual iCET review.

Meanwhile, President Biden also expressed his anticipation for the next meeting of Quad leaders, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.

“The President looks forward to the next meeting of the Quad leaders and continuing our efforts with India to deliver results for the American and Indian people, as well as our partners, in support of our shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the US Embassy spokesperson said.

Sullivan had previously planned to visit India earlier this year in February, but the trip was rescheduled due to the global crisis in Ukraine and West Asia at the time.