Ajit Doval from NSA Talks with His US Counterpart, Addresses Global Peace Challenges

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the two national security advisors, Mr. Doval and Sullivan, have agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations. According to the MEA, they reiterated the need to work collectively to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values and common strategic and security interests. The MEA also mentioned that they discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and international concern and forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework to be held in July 2024 and later in the year.

The phone conversation between the NSAs took place a day after US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti appeared to be critical of India’s ties with Russia. Garcetti emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles when other countries go against the rules-based order, and called for trusted friendship and cooperation during crisis moments without explicitly referencing Prime Minister Modi’s recent trip to Moscow. Garcetti made an apparent reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that no war is distant anymore and underscoring the need to take concrete actions to ensure that war machines of those who don’t play by peaceful rules cannot continue unabated.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity of borders and highlighted how the world’s two largest democracies can enhance the security and stability of the region when standing together on fundamental principles.