'India-US collaboration will boost defence and high-tech know-how'

Mukesh Aghi, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum President and CEO, speaks to The Sunday Guardian about the future of India-US bilateral relations.

- MANEESH PANDEYA

India’s relationship with the United States has been making headlines for the past year, with various reasons such as the G-20 Presidency, Ajay Banga’s nomination to the World Bank, and Indian Americans joining the Biden Administration. The business and strategic ties between the two countries have been on the rise, leading to an all-time high in diplomatic relations. The confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the new US Ambassador has added to the buzz about the future of India-US relations. The Sunday Guardian caught up with Dr Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), to gain insights into the future of diplomatic ties between Washington and Delhi.Excerpts:

Q: What will the confirmation of former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador-designate to India mean for Delhi and Indian Americans?

A: I congratulate Mayor Garcetti on being confirmed as the next US Ambassador to India. It was of paramount importance that the United States had a lead envoy in New Delhi, given the depth of this strategic partnership. I thank Senator Schumer for expediting Mayor Garcetti’s hearing and understood the urgency of this matter when he led the CODEL on his recent visit to India.

The incoming Ambassador is aware of the nuances of this relationship and will hit the ground running. Having been the executive of a large metropolitan like Los Angeles, he understands the economic issues and attracting investors, all of which play a part as we seek to strengthen the relationship. As Ambassador, Mr Garcetti will have a full plate with a lot of US-India engagement on the horizon with the Quad Summit in Australia, India hosting G20 world leaders, and an impending state visit by Prime Minister Modi over the summer.