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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Man launches attack with iron rod inside Golden Temple in Amritsar, injures 5
Amritsar, Mar 14 (PTI): A man wielding an iron rod went on an indiscriminate rampage on Friday here at Golden Temple, injuring two 'sewadars' and three devotees, police said.
The man was seen moving in the Guru Ramdas Niwas, also called Guru Ramdas Sarai, of the Golden Temple.
According to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Secretary Partap Singh, the man turned violent when asked about his antecedents and attacked the SGPC employees and the others.
Police said the man hailed from Haryana and was handed over to them by the SGPC after the incident.
The reason behind the attack is under investigation.
The three injured devotees had come to the temple from Mohali, Bathinda and Patiala, while the other two were 'sewadars' of Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Partap Singh said.
One 'sewadar' and a devotee from Bathinda suffered severe head injuries.
The injured were rushed to Sri Guru Ramdas Hospital at Vallah in a critical condition.
Partap Singh said the attacker and an accomplice of his were apprehended and handed over to the police.
In his appeal to the government and law enforcement agencies, the SGPC Secretary called for no leniency in taking action against the perpetrators.
