India

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) IIT Delhi hosted Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor (NSA), on Monday as the latter said that both countries are working together to build next-generation semiconductors further boosting the diplomatic partnership between the two allies.

Speaking at the event hosted by IIT Delhi, Sullivan said, "Being here at IIT Delhi with young technologists, entrepreneurs and policymakers who will take this generational project forward, I have every reason to believe that within the next decade, we will see American and Indian firms working together to build the next generation of semiconductor technologies, American and Indian astronauts' conducting cutting-edge research and space exploration together, American and Indian researchers contributing to a new explosion and lifesaving vaccines, American and Indian engineering students developing innovations together right here at IIT Delhi, and American and Indian leaders propelling our partnership and our future torque with the American statesman and scientists."

IIT Delhi hosted this programme in collaboration with the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), the technology innovation hub of IIT Delhi, said IIT Delhi Director, Rangan Banerjee, who highlighted the ongoing linkages between the American institutions and IIT Delhi, with several bilateral collaborations.

Out of IIT Delhi's 4000+ publications in the last year, more than 25 per cent were with international collaborators with the highest chunk of eight per cent with the US.

Sullivan delivered an insightful talk on 'The United States and India: Building a Shared Future'.

He addressed a distinguished gathering at IIT Delhi, setting the tone in the right direction for joint technology development in the academic forefront for the two nations.

The audience included guests from the US Embassy, representatives from the industry, faculty, and students of IIT Delhi.

He focused on the progress of the India-US strategic partnership and explored future strategic alliances aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

IIT Delhi continues to champion cutting-edge innovations and groundbreaking technology.

The institute's ongoing partnerships with US academia and industry are poised to expand, with discussions underway for further collaborative efforts.

These initiatives aim to foster greater investment in India's thriving startup ecosystem and advance joint research projects, strengthening the India-US relationship even further.

Narayanan D. Kurur, Dean of Academics, IIT Delhi, highlighted US Ambassador Eric Garcetti's first and Sullivan's last visit to India as the US NSA.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 6 (IANS) The Mahakumbh 2025, being the largest human gathering and intangible heritage of humanity representing Sanatan culture, has sparked global curiosity. People from across the world are actively seeking information about this grand event through various websites and portals.

The official website of Mahakumbh, https://kumbh.gov.in/, has emerged as the primary source for reliable information, witnessing significant traffic from millions of users worldwide.

According to the data of the website, as of January 4, over 33 lakh visitors from 183 countries accessed the portal to gather details about Mahakumbh. This includes visitors from across continents, such as Europe, America, and Africa, showcasing the event's global appeal.

A representative from the technical team managing the website confirmed that, as of January 4, a total of 33,05,667 users have visited the official Mahakumbh portal. These users belong to 183 countries, with visits recorded from as many as 6,206 cities worldwide.

India remains the top country for website visits, followed closely by significant traffic from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Germany. Visitors have not only accessed the website but have also spent considerable time exploring its content.

The technical team noted a substantial surge in traffic since the website’s launch, with the number of daily users now reaching millions as the event draws closer.

The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh is presenting the Mahakumbh as a Digital Mahakumbh. Several digital platforms have been developed to ensure the convenience of devotees. Among these is the official website of Mahakumbh, which was launched by CM Yogi in Prayagraj on October 6, 2024.

The website provides detailed information about the Mahakumbh, ensuring devotees have easy access to details about the traditions associated with Kumbh, its spiritual significance, and the studies conducted on Kumbh. Additionally, the website covers major attractions, key bathing festivals, and guidelines on what to do and avoid during the event.

Furthermore, the website offers insights into travel and accommodation options, a media gallery, and highlights what's new in Prayagraj. This digital initiative aims to enhance the experience of devotees while preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Mahakumbh.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) The Centre on Monday cleared the appointment of judges in the High Courts of Delhi and Uttarakhand.

In a post on X, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that President Droupadi Murmu has appointed advocates Ajay Digpaul and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar as judges of the Delhi High Court, and judicial officer Ashish Naithani as a judge of the Uttarakhand High Court.

"In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint S/Shri (i) Ajay Digpaul and (ii) Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar to be Judges of the Delhi High Court, in that order of seniority, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices," said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

A separate notification read: "In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Ashish Naithani to be a Judge of the High Court of Uttarakhand with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office."

In its meeting held on December 22, 2024, the Supreme Court Collegium also approved the proposal for the appointment of judicial officer Naithani as a judge of the Uttarakhand High Court.

In August last year, the SC Collegium headed by then Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended the elevation of advocates Digpaul, Shankar, and Shwetasree Majumder as judges in the Delhi High Court.

The apex court Collegium had said that it consulted other SC judges conversant with the affairs of the Delhi High Court to ascertain the fitness and suitability of these candidates, adding that it perused the observations made by the Department of Justice in the file and evaluated the materials placed on record.

Advocate Digpaul, who appeared in 42 reported judgments delivered by the Delhi High Court, has considerable experience of 31 years in several branches of law including civil, criminal, constitutional, labour, company, service and commercial law with specialisation in civil and criminal cases.

"Our sole consultee-Judge has given a positive opinion on the suitability of the candidate for appointment as a Judge of the High Court. The inputs provided by the Department of Justice in the file indicate that his professional competence is viewed to be good and there is nothing adverse regarding his integrity," noted the SC Collegium.

Advocate Shankar has extensive practice which is reflected in 180 reported judgments delivered in the cases in which he argued, said the apex court Collegium, adding that the inputs provided by the Department of Justice in the file indicate that his professional competence is viewed to be good and there is nothing adverse about his integrity.

However, the Centre has not yet notified the appointment of advocate Majumder whose elevation was also recommended in the same resolution.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in association with Delhi Police, organised an awareness programme for school teachers about drug menace, cyber security and hoax call threats on Monday.

This programme was organised under the theme of ‘Suraksha Sankalp’ -- a step towards a better tomorrow. The programme was attended by as many as 350 NDMC School teachers.

On the occasion, Chairman NDMC Keshav Chandra said that if teachers closely observe the behaviour of students, then we would be able to stop the drug menace amongst the school students.

“We should be more aware of the surroundings of schools regarding any unwanted activities which can spoil the future of students,” he said.

He further said that new tools or methods are being used by cyber criminals day by day and we should always be cautious while using social media platforms and online payment apps.

He also thanked Delhi Police for organising such types of awareness programmes for sensitising the teachers to spread the messages of awareness to students in order to curb the drug menace, cyber security and hoax call threats in schools.

In his address, Devesh Chandra Srivastav, Special CP, Crime, Delhi Police appreciated that NDMC collaborated with Delhi Police to organise an awareness programme for the school teachers because the issues such as drug abuse, cyber security as well as hoax calls are related to the students.

It is very important to firstly educate teachers so that they can prevent the students from any kind of cyber trap and drug abuse, he said.

He also talked about awareness of hoax calls because such calls create panic and rumours amongst the students, parents and the public.

He said that if we show patience and calm in these situations, then we can fight against the motive of the anti-social elements.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 6 (IANS) The Indian government has granted citizenship to Sumitra Prasad alias Rani Saha, a woman who had been living in Bihar's Ara city for 40 years.

This marks the first instance in Bihar of citizenship being granted under the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and related rules.

Sumitra, who resides on Chitra Toli Road in Ara and runs a grocery shop, has been living in India on a visa since 1985.

Her journey to citizenship has been long and challenging, involving numerous visits to police stations and embassies over the decades.

Her citizenship was finally approved under the State Level Empowered Committee as per sub-rule (1) of Rule 11A of the Citizenship Rules, 2009, and Rule 13A.

Sumitra's life story is deeply intertwined with historical events.

At the age of five in 1970, she left for her aunt's home in what was then undivided Pakistan (East Pakistan, later Bangladesh).

She completed her education there, but the geopolitical landscape changed after Bangladesh's independence on December 16, 1971.

In January 1985, Sumitra returned to India and reunited with her family in the Katihar district of Bihar.

Soon after, on March 10, 1985, she married Parmeshwar Prasad and settled in Ara.

She has since raised her family there, having three daughters: Priyanka, Priyadarshini, and Aishwarya.

Unfortunately, in 2010, her husband passed away due to bone cancer, leaving her as the sole breadwinner for her family.

Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Modi's government, Sumitra said: "When I was five years old, I went to my aunt's house in Bangladesh. By the time I returned to India in 1985, Bangladesh had been established as a separate nation. I have lived here ever since, but only now have I received citizenship. I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for it."

Sumitra's journey to Indian citizenship has been marked by decades of struggle, uncertainty, and resilience.

Living on a visa for more than 40 years in Ara, Bihar, she endured constant challenges, from bureaucratic hurdles to societal pressures, before finally being granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Sumitra revealed the relentless difficulties she faced while living on a visa.

She had to navigate complex and time-consuming procedures every year, frequently visiting police stations and embassies.

Local residents often threatened her with deportation to Bangladesh, and she was repeatedly warned about potential jail time.

In 2023, delays in renewing her visa led to her being called to the Arah town police station and asked to return to Bangladesh.

For the past three visa renewals, Sumitra had to travel to Kolkata, which added to her burden.

In 2024, while applying for her visa extension in Kolkata, Sumitra and her family were informed about the provisions of the CAA.

Her youngest daughter, Aishwarya Prasad, took the initiative to begin the application process in October 2024.

Despite the family's prolonged struggles, Aishwarya remained determined and completed the process, securing citizenship for her mother.

Sumitra's late husband, Parmeshwar Prasad, ran a home appliance shop in Ara to support their family.

Following his death in 2010, the family's struggles intensified.

Of Sumitra's three daughters -- two are married, while the youngest, Aishwarya, currently takes care of her.

Sumitra was unable to access basic government services such as an Aadhaar card, ration card or gas connection due to her visa status.

The family is elated with the citizenship approval.

Aishwarya expressed relief, saying: "My mother was deprived of all government facilities for so many years. Now, we can finally prepare all her documents and access benefits like Aadhaar, ration cards, and gas connections. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the lack of a visa extension caused immense worry, but this citizenship has brought us relief."

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 6 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reached Bhubaneswar on a five-day Odisha visit to attend the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas scheduled to be held here between January 8 and 10.

EAM Jaishankar was welcomed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy CM Pravati Parida, former Union minister and Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi at the Bhubaneswar airport on Monday evening.

As per the schedule, Jaishankar later headed to Eco Retreat at Konark for a night halt. He is scheduled to visit the world-famous Konark Sun Temple on Tuesday morning.

Jaishankar is also likely to visit the 12th century Jagannath temple at Puri, Heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur in Puri, Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. He will attend the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Janata Maidan starting on January 8.

“I am confident that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be celebrated in a grand way. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has told me that all the preparations for the 3-day event have been completed. I hope that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be a grand success in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Jaishankar told media persons on Monday.

With PBD shifting its venue to the Eastern part of the country for the first time, this affirms and reinforces the Centre's commitment to taking forward its ‘Purvodaya’ project, conceived for the all-round development of the Eastern region comprising states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Notably, Odisha’s rich reserve of minerals and natural resources will go a long way in taking forward this mission. The state leads all its counterparts in fields like mining, iron and steel manufacturing, marine economy, sports, skilling and even knowledge economy. Several Indian IT companies have established bases in the state. The PBD event would be an opportunity to showcase what the state has to offer to the world.

Like every year, the PBD celebrations in Bhubaneshwar, from January 8-10 will showcase the vibrancy of the Indian diaspora and their achievements abroad. Also, exhibitions on Ramayana, Technology and Diaspora are being organised to spotlight the contributions of the Indian diaspora and how they acted as a vehicle for the promotion of Indian culture, values and ethos abroad.

The Ramayana exhibition would showcase how the epic travelled to countries in South-East Asia where they still remain a vast attraction for the locals as well as foreign tourists.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed grief over the killing of security personnel in a gruesome Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh on Monday.

Eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans and one driver lost their lives after their vehicle was blown up by Maoists using an IED in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the cowardly Naxalite attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, which led to the martyrdom of several of our soldiers and a vehicle driver," Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi on X.

"I pay my heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery to the injured soldiers. In this difficult time, my thoughts are with the grieving families. The entire nation stands united against terrorism and violence. The increasing martyrdom of soldiers raises serious questions about the government's ability to maintain national security," said Rahul in the post.

Priyanka Gandhi also wrote a message in Hindi and posted on X, "The news of the martyrdom of a large number of soldiers in the Naxalite attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh is deeply saddening. The entire nation stands united against terrorism and condemns it in the strongest terms. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."

At least nine people, including eight jawans from the Dantewada District Reserve Guard (DRG), were killed when their vehicle was targeted by Naxals in an IED blast in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday.

The incident happened just days after five insurgents were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Bastar. Initially, four rebels were found dead on Sunday, and one more body was recovered later.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Jan 6 (IANS) The Chandigarh University (CU) on Monday announced the establishment of a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled next-gen futuristic campus at Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, to provide AI-augmented multidisciplinary education.

The AI-augmented University campus at Unnao (in Lucknow state capital region) is ‘tailored’ to the evolving needs of 21st-century learners and promises to revolutionise the country’s educational landscape with 43 futuristic undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

These programmes will be offered across six streams including Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Life Sciences, Humanities, Liberal Arts and Legal Studies from the 2025-26 academic year. Uttar Pradesh government had earlier issued an ‘Authorization Letter’ to Chandigarh University for its AI-integrated campus at Unnao.

The information was shared at a press conference at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where UP higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay launched the Chandigarh University Lucknow web portal and prospectus for the 2025-26 academic session.

Speaking on the occasion, Yogendra Upadhyay said, “Uttar Pradesh is on track to become a $1 trillion economy within the next five years as the State’s GDP is projected to reach Rs 32 lakh crore by March 2025, positioning it as the fastest-growing economy in India and creating employment opportunities for 1.5 crore youth. In the past seven years, the state's economy, GDP, and per capita income have more than doubled due to the double engine government.”

He further said that Uttar Pradesh is becoming an educational hub in higher education with the establishment of 16 new universities and over 250 colleges in underserved regions over the past seven years under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership.

“It is a proud moment for us that Chandigarh University has established its AI-enabled campus in Uttar Pradesh. The timing of launching an AI-integrated university in Uttar Pradesh could not be more ideal as the state government is already establishing India's first AI City in an area of over 70 acres in Lucknow,” the minister stated.

Upadhyay said Chandigarh University’s AI-integrated campus perfectly aligns with the UP government’s ambitions for AI-driven growth by preparing skilled manpower.

“The arrival of a world-class education provider like Chandigarh University means that students in Uttar Pradesh can now access quality learning without having to leave their home state, making education more accessible and affordable for all,” he added.

Member of Parliament, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognises the transformative power of AI, India was one of the first countries to develop a comprehensive strategy through the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.”

“India, as the fastest-growing economy with the second-largest population in the world, has a crucial stake in the ongoing AI revolution and Uttar Pradesh has taken a big step in this direction by establishing India’s first AI City in Lucknow,” he added.

“As Chancellor of Chandigarh University, I convey my sincere gratitude to CM Yogi for extending pro-active support for the establishment of Chandigarh University Campus. Uttar Pradesh has been playing a key role in making PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign a success and contributing to the nation’s goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy for becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With tremendous growth in various sectors, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the next growth engine for India,” the MP added.

Sandhu said Uttar Pradesh holds a unique position in India’s higher education sector, with a young population that is expected to play a key role in shaping the nation’s future.

“Currently, with an average age of 21 years, which is projected to rise to 26 years by 2030, the state will contribute 16.5 per cent to India’s youth population. However, Uttar Pradesh’s Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) is currently 25.6 per cent and it is essential to increase this figure to 50 per cent by 2035, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). The establishment of Chandigarh University in Uttar Pradesh aims to address the growing demand for higher education in the state,” he said.

Chandigarh University Managing Director, Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, said the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2025) portal is now open for registrations for those seeking admission to the Uttar Pradesh Campus of the university in the 2025-26 academic year.

“CUCET is a national-level entrance and scholarship test that recognises academic excellence and provides financial assistance, of up to 100 per cent through scholarships. During the 2025-26 academic session, scholarships worth Rs 40 crore will be awarded to students at Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh campus. Additionally, the university will offer Rs 3 crore 'CV Raman Scholarship' to support students pursuing careers in scientific research,” he said.

Notably, Chandigarh University was ranked number 1 among India’s private universities in QS Asia University Rankings 2025. Chandigarh University was also ranked 20th among India’s all government and private universities in the NIRF Rankings 2024.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 6 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the 95 Indian fishermen who returned from Bangladesh on Monday and urged them not to venture close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing in the Bay of Bengal.

Banerjee, who was on an official visit to Sagar Island to review preparations for the forthcoming Gangasagar Mela, had announced in advance that she would meet the fishermen as well.

The fishermen, from Kakdwip in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, were arrested by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in October and November 2024, for allegedly fishing in Bangladeshi waters.

Six Indian fishing vessels were also seized by the Bangladeshi authorities.

The Indian fishermen were returned by Bangladesh on Sunday after a mutual repatriation agreement between the two countries.

India returned 90 Bangladeshi fishermen in return.

Twelve of them had drifted into Indian waters after their trawler capsized.

Two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers were also returned by India.

"On Dec 9, 2024, in a significant operation aimed at safeguarding maritime security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers "FV Laila-2" and "FV Meghna-5" along with 78 fishermen. These fishermen were engaged in fishing in Indian waters. The Indian government accorded approval for the repatriation of the 78 fishermen along with two Bangladeshi fishing boats. In addition to this, the 12-member crew of the sunken Bangladesh fishing boat 'Kausik' were also to be returned," a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson in Kolkata said.

Accordingly, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varad and ICGS Amrit Kaur escorted the 90 Bangladeshi fishermen to the IMBL on Sunday.

After signing documents onboard the Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Kamaruzzaman, ICGS Varad and ICGS Amrut Kaur departed for Sagar Island with the 95 Indian fishermen.

These fishermen were formally handed over by the ICG to the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas district at Sagar Island at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

"The operation underscores the mutual efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian government, the West Bengal government and the Indian Coast Guard in maintaining maritime relations between India and Bangladesh," the MoD spokesperson added.

West Bengal CM said that India and Bangladesh share friendly relations.

She was anguished though about the health conditions of some of the Indian fishermen who were limping.

The fishermen claimed that they were beaten up after their capture by the Bangladeshi authorities.

The Chief Minister said that this is in contrast to how India treated the Bangladeshi fishermen caught fishing in Indian waters.

They were provided medical attention and proper food during their detention period, she added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on Monday emphasised efforts of the outgoing Biden administration in finalising necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities to promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains.

Sullivan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday during his farewell two-day India visit ahead of Donald Trump being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.

He was accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials.

During their meeting, the two NSAs, who have engaged regularly in a high-level dialogue through extensive discussions on a broad bilateral, regional and global agenda, reviewed the ongoing progress in their high-level dialogue, including in diverse fields such as defence, cyber and maritime security.

"US NSA Jake Sullivan briefed the Indian side on the updates brought out by the Biden administration to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India. Reflecting the progress the United States and India have made—and will continue to make—as strategic partners and countries with a shared commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation, NSA Sullivan announced US efforts to finalize necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains," read a joint press statement issued by both countries following the Sullivan-Doval meeting.

Both NSAs have acknowledged that the iCET, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on the side lines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo in May 2022, would play a defining role in deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Since then, the two NSAs have driven concrete initiatives between the two countries across a range of areas including Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, defence and space.

Sullivan also called on PM Modi and handed over to him a letter from President Biden.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in the areas of technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"It was a pleasure to meet the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has scaled new heights, including in the areas of technology, defence, space, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Look forward to building upon this momentum in ties between our two democracies for the benefit of our people and global good," PM Modi posted on X.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Prime Minister Modi and Sullivan "positively assessed" the significant advancement in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership over the last four years.

"Recalling his various meetings with President Biden, including during his visit to the US in September 2024 for the Quad Leaders’ Summit, PM appreciated President Biden’s contributions towards strengthening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which leaves an enduring legacy," read the statement issued by the PMO.

PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes to President Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden.

Earlier in the day, Sullivan called on EAM S. Jaishankar to discuss a wide range of strategic, regional, and bilateral issues.

"Delighted to meet US NSA Jake Sullivan in New Delhi today morning. Continued our ongoing discussions on deepening bilateral, regional and global cooperation. Valued the openness of our conversations in the last four years. Appreciated his personal contribution to forging a closer and stronger India-US partnership," said EAM Jaishankar.

Both sides held discussions on a range of strategic, regional, and bilateral issues, including the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) during Sullivan's stay in the capital.

--IANS

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