Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer headed a US delegation to New Delhi on December 4 for an intersessional review of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) with Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri.
Additionally, Finer engaged in bilateral and regional consultations with Ambassador Misri, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
These discussions aimed at fostering in-depth conversations to enhance coordination and policy alignment across the Indo-Pacific, including the broader Indian Ocean region.
During the discussions, they addressed the situation in the Middle East, including recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The importance of safeguarding freedom of commercial navigation was emphasized. Additionally, they deliberated on plans for a post-conflict Gaza and a pathway toward a two-state solution, as stated by the White House.
Finer's visit follows a recent indictment by the US Department of Justice, charging Indian national Nikhil Gupta with an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Pannun, designated a terrorist by India, is a dual American-Canadian citizen. The indictment suggests that Gupta acted on instructions from an Indian government employee involved in security affairs.
While India acknowledged receiving information from the US, it emphasized that this isn't government policy. In response, India has established a high-level investigation committee to scrutinize the matter.
"Mr. Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement.
In light of the speculation surrounding the potential impact of the controversy on the India-US relationship, Finer's visit and public statements suggest that the U.S. is eager to ensure that it does not hinder the momentum of the strategic partnership with India.
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