THE INDIA STORY AND PITCH

India's growth potential and recent progress made for a compelling story and pitch from the Prime Minister to the US President. Ashish Bhatia links the reinforced friendship between the two world leaders to business outcomes for the automotive industry.

- Ashish Bhatia

The much anticipated US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded on a high. His sixth visit in the past nine years and the first ‘state visit’ had a vast canvas to paint on with colours of friendship. The three-day tour that commenced with Yoga, presented several photo opportunities and etched memories of the inked diplomatic and business ties of mutual interest between the two nations. The interest areas spanned favourable bilateral trade terms, joint manufacturing, defence and technology collaboration. This give-and-take took the form of hefty investment commitments on either side. Companies on either side rose to the occasion to finalise the investment blueprints. Both leaders were affirmative on technology playing a “defining role” in deepening the partnership. Bilateral trade is known to have exceeded USD 191 bn in 2022, doubling the 2014 levels.

DRAW INTEREST

From meeting Nobel laureate Prof Paul Romer, American economist and policy entrepreneur, in New York to discuss India’s digital journey, and various initiatives undertaken by India for urban development; to meeting eminent US academics hailed from diverse fields including agriculture, engineering, science and technology. They reportedly discussed the possibilities of enhancing research collaborations and two-way academic exchanges under India’s new education policy. They also shared perspectives and experiences from their respective areas of expertise.