Ambassador Gor calls for stronger India-US economic partnership

By Deepak Arora

MUMBAI, Aug 18: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday called for India and the United States to work together as “true partners” to address friction points and unlock the full potential of their economic relationship.

Addressing the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) National Convention in Mumbai, Ambassador Gor called for stronger India-US economic partnership. He stressed the need for predictable taxation and regulatory frameworks to provide businesses with greater certainty and encourage investment and innovation.

The Ambassador also called for candid and trust-based engagement between the two countries on issues such as export controls and intellectual property rights. He said stronger protections for intellectual property would give companies greater confidence to invest, create and expand in India.

Highlighting the growing economic relationship, Ambassador Gor said bilateral trade in goods and services had risen from around $20 billion to $240 billion in just over two decades. He said the two countries share an ambition of taking the figure to $500 billion by 2030.

“When India and the US work together, they integrate value chains, accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies and strengthen supply chain resilience,” he said.

Ambassador Gor said the US Embassy in India had attracted more than $20 billion in investment, while Indian companies investing in the United States represented a “win-win” opportunity by giving Indian businesses access to one of the world's largest markets.

The Ambassador also expressed confidence in India's investment environment, saying the US trusted India and that American companies were increasingly looking at the country as a destination for investment and expansion.

The IACC convention, themed “Re-defining the India-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” brought together political leaders, business representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss trade, investment, technology and innovation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also attended the event, said technology would be a key pillar of the India-US relationship in the coming years. He highlighted areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, cybersecurity, cloud and data infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, medical technology and biotechnology.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra was keen to participate in the entire spectrum of emerging technology cooperation, including joint innovation, research, technology transfer, manufacturing partnerships and new global supply chains.

Ambassador Gor also held a meeting with Fadnavis in Mumbai, with the two discussing ways to expand India-US cooperation and opportunities for American businesses in Maharashtra, particularly in areas such as technology, energy and healthcare. The meeting was described as “very productive.”