US-India NSAs to meet, focus on deepening military-tech ties
New Delhi:In a significant diplomatic move, the second round of the initiative of Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to commence on June 17-18. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election.
The discussions will center around a variety of key projects initiated during the previous meeting in Washington, including the transfer of technology for GE-414 jet engines intended for India's Tejas Mark II fighters. Additionally, plans for a new bilateral Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap will be a focus, aimed at accelerating joint technological ventures such as jet engines, loitering ammunition, and semiconductor production.
A US delegation is already in India, negotiating the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed Predator drones, underscoring the depth of defense cooperation between the two nations. Concurrently, French counterparts are in talks for a deal involving 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for India's INS Vikrant, highlighting India's broadening military alliances.
The agenda also includes discussions on enhancing cooperation in space technology, quantum computing, and next-generation telecommunications, reflecting both countries' strategic interests amid regional challenges, notably from an assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of the meeting, western media speculations regarding alleged incidents involving proscribed individuals have not dampened the momentum, as affirmed during recent interactions between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden at the G-7 summit in Apulia. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to advancing Indo-US ties despite external distractions.
In parallel, NSA Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Paris on June 20-21 to strengthen military relations with France, further underscoring India's proactive diplomatic engagements across multiple fronts.
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4.2 magnitude earthquake recorded in north Gujarat's Patan district; no damage
Ahmedabad, Nov 15: An earthquake of 4.2 magnitude was recorded in Patan district of north Gujarat on Friday night, the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) said.
While people came out of their houses after feeling the seismic movement, no casualty or loss of property was reported in the region, officials of the state control room in Gandhinagar said.
The quake was recorded at 10:15 pm with its epicentre located 13 km south south-west of Patan, the Gandhinagar-based ISR said.
Reports from northern districts of Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha and Mehsana claimed that tremors were felt for two to three seconds.
The state has suffered nine major earthquakes in the past 200 years including the devastating earthquake of January 26, 2001, in Kutch district, as per the data provided by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).
