Building New partnerships

While one aspect of Sullivan's strategy focused on constraining China's technological advancement, another equally important element involved fostering new technological partnerships around the world. India emerged as a key target for this approach. As the world's largest democracy and China's neighbor, India represented an ideal partner in the tech cold war.

Sullivan developed an unexpectedly close relationship with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, a former spy nearly twice his age. Their collaboration led to a new tech partnership between the US and India, which was showcased during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington. The partnership included collaborations in semiconductor assembly, jet engine production, and space missions.