Amid heightened tensions between India and the US concerning India’s alleged targeting of Sikh separatists, United States’ National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan engaged in a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. During this conversation they discussed regional security developments and assessed bilateral matters including advancements in defense cooperation. The White House reported on Wednesday , Oct 31st, that the two leaders also deliberated on the necessity of intensified efforts to promote stability in the Indo Pacific and on the global stage.
“They welcomed progress in bilateral partnership highlighted by the forthcoming initiative on Critical & Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and Indian Ocean Dialogue”, the statement remarked. They also deliberated on further avenues for closer collaboration in key domains including but not limited to clean energy supply chain and defence cooperation.Earlier this week the United States expressed that Canada’s allegations concerning Union Home Minister Shah are ‘concerning’ to say the least. On Thursday , State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller further remarked that the US will continue to consult with the Canadian Govt about those allegations.
Canada’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, David Morrison, confirmed details from a leaked Washington Post report , which alleged that the Indian Home Minister was orchestrating a stealth campaign targeting Khalistani separatists in Canada. In response to a question Mr. Morrison said he had confirmed Mr. Shah’s name to the Washington Post. “The journalist contacted me to verify if it was indeed that individual, and I confirmed it was” he noted.
The United States has also expressed that it welcomes the de-escalation of tension along the Indo-China border & noted that it has been briefed by New Delhi on this.“We are monitoring developments closely between India and China. It is our understanding that both nations have initiated steps to withdraw troops from friction zones along the Line of Actual Control. We approve any efforts to reduce tensions along the border”, Mr. Miller commented.
Responding to an inquiry, Mr. Miller clarified that the States hasn’t been engaged in this resolution.While we have communicated with our Indian partners and have been briefed on the matter, we played no role in facilitating this outcome,” he asserted.
Interestingly, NSA Ajit Doval didn’t accompany Prime Minister Modi during his official state visit to the United States in September, with sources indicating that pressing domestic obligations including the upcoming elections in Jammu Kashmir . It’s noteworthy, that days before the Indian NSA had been summoned by a US court in connection with a lawsuit filed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seeking damages for an alleged assassination conspiracy.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his profound appreciation for President Biden’s exceptional role in advancing the US-India partnership, remarking that the recent engagements have infused unprecedented dynamism and depth into the bilateral ties.
