US National Security Adviser’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Postponed
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s plan to visit Saudi Arabia this week has been postponed as he was recovering from a “cracked rib”. White House said on Wednesday (Apr 3) that the health-related issue has affected his ability to travel.
Sullivan was due to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discuss a potential mega-deal. America is also hoping to normalize the relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the injury “has affected his ability to travel”. He added that “this was a minor accident of his own. It was not caused by anybody. It was not the result of a nefarious act.”
Kirby said Sullivan looks forward to rescheduling the trip, however, the date hasn’t been set yet.
Resuming Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, calls have been made to open diplomatic channels and resume talks to stop war. The talks to de-escalate tension in the West Asia region had been put on ice in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas fighters on southern Israel. The attack led to Israel’s subsequent assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza. But conversations have resumed in recent months.
Sullivan’s Visit to India
Sullivan is expected to travel to Delhi the week after next week where he will hold key talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval.
It is expected that the main agenda for Sullivan’s visit revolves around the review of the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative, with a focus on ongoing efforts to bolster strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between the United States and India.
Sullivan is likely to be in Delhi around April 18.
