Doval speaks to new US NSA, both sides pledge to boost ties

New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had a telephonic talk with his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, January 27. NSA Doval conveyed his best wishes to NSA Sullivan on his appointment to the coveted post after the change of guards in White House.

Mr Doval underscored that as leading democracies, with an abiding faith in the open and inclusive world order, India and the U.S. were “uniquely positioned to work closely” on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

NSA Sullivan stated that the U.S. was looking forward to working together on the bilateral agenda and the common global challenges, an MEA statement said here.

The two NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-U.S. relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests, the release said. Both sides also highlighted the need to work collectively to address challenges in the post-Covid era and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Mr Sullivan was previously senior policy advisor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 US presidential elections.

He was also a Deputy chief of staff at the Department of Science. He also served as a senior advisor to the US government for the Iran nuclear negotiations. It may be mentioned that new White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has said that President Joe Biden respects and values the “long bipartisan relationship” of America with India.