US National Security Adviser postpones India visit

WASHINGTON: US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan has delayed his planned visit to India this week due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, marking the second instance this year where he has rescheduled his trip to New Delhi.

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“Due to ongoing events in the Middle East, US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan has postponed his trip to India this week. NSA Sullivan looks forward to holding the iCET annual review at the next earliest possible date and remains personally committed to advancing our deeply consequential and multifaceted partnership with India,” US Embassy Spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson also conveyed that President Joe Biden is eagerly anticipating the upcoming gathering of Quad leaders.

Sullivan’s previous anticipated visit to India in February of this year was canceled due to conflicting obligations. Similarly, the Quad meeting was originally tentatively scheduled for January 2024 in New Delhi. With India extending an invitation to President Biden to attend the country’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, there was optimism that the Quad Summit could take place the following day.

However, due to Biden’s inability to accept the invitation owing to prior engagements, the Quad Summit was also postponed.