US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled for a visit in India to engage the new government in New Delhi on shared US-India priorities as Narendra Modi prepares to take oath as the Prime Minister of India for a record third term, the White House said. Sullivan’s visit was discussed when the US President Joe Biden rang up PM Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024 to congratulate PM Modi on his re-election.
“President Joseph R Biden Jr spoke today with PM Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on their historic victory in India’s general elections,” the White House said in a readout of the call. Biden also praised the Indian citizens participating in the elections with around 650 million casting their votes, the readout added.
The two leaders stressed their commitment to strengthening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and to advance their common visions of a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific, the White House readout said. Though Jake Sullivan visit has been announced, his travel dates to India are yet to be shared. However, it is expected to be within days of Narendra Modi swearing in.
Modi is likely to take oath on June 8, 2024 evening. Besides Biden, Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee congratulated Indians for conducting the elections and casting over a million votes across the nation over the course of only a few weeks. “The people of India, have again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process, casting their votes inspite of this year’s heatwaves,” he said.
Joe Biden praised the friendship between the US and India on X, which was soon followed by similar congratulatory messages by other senior members of his administration, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Narendra Modi replied to these posts saying he was happy to receive the call from his friend.
Senator Cardin said, “The US-India partnership is and will remain important for global and regional prosperity for many years to come. I look forward to strengthening this relationship and believe it will endure so long as long it is founded in mutual respect and trust and commitment to democratic values.”
“As political leaders begin to form a new government, I reaffirm my support for the people of India in their continued efforts to strengthen justice and the rule of law, to enhance transparent governance, and to safeguard human rights,” Cardin said. John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus of Cisco, also congratulated Modi on his third term in a LinkedIn post.
“When I reflect back on my first meeting with PM Narendra Modi, I recall being struck right away with his humble yet courageous spirit and also his bold vision for India. His “Digital India” initiative is one of the best I have ever seen, and recent major partnerships in defence, technology and more are a clear indicator of the country’s growth trajectory,” he said.
