New Delhi: US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio held wide-ranging discussions with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Sunday, focusing on strengthening cooperation in defence, security, and strategic technologies.

According to a post by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X, the talks covered key areas of the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with both sides reaffirming the high priority accorded to bilateral ties and reviewing ongoing collaboration.

The discussions also included regional and global developments of mutual interest, underscoring continued engagement on issues linked to international security and stability. Rubio, who also serves as US National Security Advisor, met Doval as part of his official four-day visit to India.

Central to the talks was the TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology), an upgraded framework from the earlier iCET initiative. Announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington on 13 February 2025, TRUST aims to expand cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, critical minerals, biotechnology, energy, space, and supply chain resilience.

A key component of the initiative is an AI Infrastructure Roadmap designed to encourage investment, improve market access, and support the deployment of US-origin AI systems in India. The programme is jointly overseen by the National Security Advisors of both countries.

ALSO READ | Tejas Mark 1A: HAL's strong push for trust

The US Embassy in India also highlighted the meeting, noting discussions on counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening Indo-Pacific strategic coordination. It described the partnership as growing stronger in support of shared security interests.

Prior to meeting Doval, Rubio held talks with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where both sides reviewed the full scope of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, involving India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, is also scheduled to take place in New Delhi on 26 May, with Rubio expected to participate.

ALSO READ | Trump says US will not 'rush into a deal' with Iran