WASHINGTON: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said that there is political support for building India-US relations in both capitals – here in the U.S. Congress and in the Indian Parliament- with great deal of comfort and maturity developing in the bilateral discourse.
Addressing the inaugural U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, which is coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), Ms Swaraj said the two sides were also strengthening their mutual cooperation in several areas, including defence and security, countering terrorism and extremism, clean energy and environment protection.
The annual USIBC Leadership summit was also addressed by US Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and other high-ranking officials from both Governments and industry leaders.
“We have developed mechanisms for co-development and co-production of defence equipment and practical collaboration in defence technologies to enhance the strategic content in our relations,” the External Affairs Minister said.
She said the two countries are promoting energy cooperation to facilitate India’s green growth, sustainable development and energy security.
“We are doing so not only in the bilateral space but also in responding to the global challenge of climate change. We are linked by ties of research, education, health and science,” she said.
Addressing the summit, Vice President Biden highlighted importance of the U.S.-India trade relationship and the U.S. commitment to growing bilateral trade to $500 billion over the next few years.
Secretary of State John Kerry spoke about the importance of building stronger U.S.-India ties and reinforcing India’s position as an ally in the region. USIBC Chairman Ajay Banga – who is President and CEO of MasterCard – said, “The eyes of history remain fixed on India and the United States as they move closer to ushering in what could be a whole new era. A new era for India. A new era for India-U.S. Relations. It’s a new era that could see global trade accelerate and increase with Indian membership in organizations like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.”
USIBC presented its prestigious Global Leadership Awards to Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, and Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HT Media, one of India’s prominent media companies.
Both were honoured for their contributions and commitment to driving a more inclusive global economy and for their roles as women leaders. (UNI)
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