NSA Ajit Doval likely to visit US along with PM Modi

New Delhi: National security adviser Ajit Doval is likely to accompany the prime minister during his February 12-14 trip to Washington, unlike Narendra Modi's September visit to the US when the NSA's absence had raised eyebrows.

The absence of Doval in September came in the backdrop of summons issued against him on the Sikh matter. Though the summons were not served formally, it was being viewed as problematic and incongruent with the overall spirit of the partnership.

The issue is getting diluted with Donald Trump's return to the White House, paving way for the NSA's visit, ET has learnt. Sources hinted that the Trump administration does not seem keen to interfere in India's internal matters and encourage certain groups.


Doval has played a critical role along with his former US counterpart Jake Sullivan in putting together the iCET framework for cooperation in the defence industry and civilian high-tech and telecommunications sectors. Doval recently spoke with his current US counterpart. Last year, Doval travelled to France for strategic dialogue and later Russia for the BRICS summit without any obstacle.

Last September, on the eve of Modi's departure for the US, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York issued summons to the NSA among others in a case involving pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri had at the time told the media: "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesn't change our views about the underlying situation..."