India-US NSAs Discuss Quad Engagements, 'Common Strategic And Security Interests': MEA

NSA Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues, including upcoming Quad engagements.

File Photo of NSA Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan

Source : ANI

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday held a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan. The discussion covered a broad range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, including forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework scheduled for July and later in the year. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the two advisers agreed to closely collaborate to advance India-US relations, grounded in shared values and common strategic and security interests.

"The NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests. They reiterated the need to work collectively to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA informed.

No Thing As Strategic Autonomy In Times of Conflict: US Envoy Garcetti

This comes after US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, speaking at the Defence News Conclave organised by CUTS International, asserted the deep and broad nature of the India-US relationship, while cautioning against taking it for granted. Garcetti remarked, "No war is distant anymore," highlighting the interconnectedness of today's world. He stressed the importance of forging a stronger partnership between New Delhi and Washington, despite India's preference for strategic autonomy. 

He said that there is no such thing as strategic autonomy in times of conflict.

Garcetti's address at the event, held in collaboration with the US Consulate in Kolkata, underlined the need for concrete actions to ensure that those who do not adhere to peaceful norms cannot continue their aggressive pursuits unchecked. He stated, "One must not just stand for peace, but also take concrete actions to make sure those who don't play by peaceful rules, and their war machines cannot continue unabated."

The comments came on the heels of the Biden administration's assertion that India remains a strategic partner for the US, notwithstanding concerns over India's ties with Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit has been closely monitored by Western observers amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Garcetti further elaborated on the depth of India-US ties, describing them as "deep, ancient, and increasingly broad," while urging both nations to nurture this relationship actively. He said, "We don't just see our future in India and India doesn't just see its future with the US, but the world can see great things in our relationship." He envisioned the US and India as an "unstoppable force for good" in the world, particularly in defence and security cooperation, joint military exercises, and combating piracy in the western Indian Ocean.

Addressing the broader context of global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, Garcetti highlighted the importance of India-US cooperation in times of crises, whether natural disasters or human-caused wars. He noted, "In times of emergencies, the US and India will be a powerful ballast against the waves that will sweep over Asia and other parts of the world."

Emphasising the need for mutual understanding and trust, Garcetti said, "In crisis moments, we need to know each other. We will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues that in times of need will be acting together."