Time for US and India to restore ambition in ties

Multiple phone calls between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and recent statements from the former, as well as the Senate confirmation of new US ambassador to India Sergio Gor, remind us that it is time for New Delhi and Washington to seize this moment of positive momentum and focus again on their partnership.

- Atul Keshap

The world and its challenges will not wait for us. Now is the time to remove the stumbling blocks impeding progress in the two countries’ economic relationship. Apprehensive businesses and investors eagerly seek progress ona raft of issues, some of which are listed here.

A substantial trade deal: Negotiators are working steadily; a deal struck between the two countries will bea strong vote of mutual confidence and reassurance to investors and companies who await clarity before they make investment decisions worth hundreds of billions. A deal that meaningfully reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers can be a bonanza for businesses, investors, and consumers in both nations. If tariffs come down, both sides can accelerate efforts to reach $500 billion in bilateral goods trade, spurring growth and innovation.

Level playing field: We need to reaffirm our ‘openness to two-way investment and shed the notion that either side’s companies and investors are problematic. Such investment empowers and enriches societies, uplifts communities, upskills talent, elevates capability, and ensures prosperity. Discriminatory rules, regulations, procedures, taxes, and laws by either country are unhelpful to the stated goal of growth and prosperity. These need to be discarded by both.