After PM's Russia visit, NSAs of India and US hold telephonic talks

Days after the United States raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday held a telephonic conversation with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on a variety of issues including Quad.

They discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues and forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework to be held this month and later in the year, according to an MEA statement.

The NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests, according to the statement.


The two NSAs reiterated the need to work collectively to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the comprehensive global strategic partnership, according to the statement.

The statement didn't mention if they discussed Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

On Thursday, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said: "I know that India likes its strategic autonomy, but in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy." People in the know, however, said strategic autonomy is imperative during times of a conflict.