NSA Ajit Doval Engages with US Secretary of State Rubio to Enhance Strategic Cooperation in New Delhi

In New Delhi on Sunday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in extensive discussions with United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. The dialogue covered a broad spectrum of issues including defense, security, strategic technology cooperation, and regional stability.

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in sectors such as defense, counterterrorism, strategic technology, and security. A particular emphasis was placed on the TRUST initiative.

Both nations reaffirmed the importance of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and assessed the ongoing collaborations across various fields.

The meeting also provided a platform for exchanging views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, particularly focusing on international security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A significant part of the discussions revolved around the TRUST initiative — "Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology" — an enhanced version of the previous Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The TRUST initiative, which was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February 2025, aims to strengthen India-US collaboration in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, critical minerals, biotechnology, energy, space, and resilient supply chains.

Officials highlighted that a crucial element of the TRUST initiative is the AI Infrastructure Roadmap, which seeks to enhance investment, market access, and the deployment of US-origin AI systems in India.

The US Embassy in India indicated that the discussions also addressed counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and bolstering strategic coordination between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Before his meeting with NSA Doval, Rubio had discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Both parties reviewed the broader India-US strategic partnership, which encompasses trade, energy, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, nuclear cooperation, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics efforts.

Rubio is currently on a four-day visit to India and is expected to participate in the upcoming Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. Representatives from Australia and Japan will also attend this meeting.

The QUAD meeting is anticipated to concentrate on Indo-Pacific security, maritime cooperation, emerging technologies, and the evolving geopolitical challenges in the region.