The United States hosted the 6th US-India CEO Forum this week, a key platform that convenes business leaders from both nations to explore opportunities for strengthening economic ties. Co-chaired by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, the forum serves as an essential mechanism for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Coming close on the heels of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US., the meeting underscores the deepening economic and strategic partnership between these two democracies.
Reinforcing Bilateral Commitments
At the forum, leaders from both governments and the private sector reaffirmed their dedication to expanding trade and fostering inclusive economic growth. Gina Raimondo and Piyush Goyal expressed appreciation for the leadership of James Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin, and N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, who co-chaired the event. The two government officials noted the significant contributions made by the forum over the past two years, emphasizing that this collaboration has been crucial in driving innovation and strengthening bilateral commerce.
One of the forum’s key accomplishments has been the launch of the publicly accessible Network for Innovation and Harnessing Investments and Trade for Inclusive Growth (NIHIT) platform. NIHIT aims to connect US and Indian startups and small businesses through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives. Over 1,000 entrepreneurs from both countries have already participated in workshops on digital technologies, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. This platform reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and economic inclusion, particularly in the digital and technology sectors.
Major Announcements and Partnerships
According to an official statement issued by the US Department of Commerce several significant developments were announced during the meeting, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of the US-India economic partnership. Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems signed an agreement to establish a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in India. This move will not only support the Indian Air Force’s fleet but also expand manufacturing and assembly in India, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. This partnership highlights the growing defence collaboration between the two countries.
Other major announcements included Kyndryl Inc.’s collaboration with CreditAccess Grameen to digitize microloan processing for over two million women borrowers in rural India. This initiative aims to improve financial inclusion and empower rural communities by providing faster access to credit through advanced technology.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals also announced the expansion of its operations in India with the launch of new medicines and the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art peptide manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad. This investment in India’s pharmaceutical sector aligns with efforts to enhance healthcare access and innovation.
Expanding Technological and Infrastructure Cooperation
The forum also emphasized advancements in energy, technology, and infrastructure. Honeywell International delivered a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s project in Lakshadweep, India’s first on-grid solar project utilizing BESS technology. This initiative supports India’s renewable energy goals and highlights the role of American companies in advancing sustainable solutions.
Additionally, Pfizer launched its first commercial analytics center in India, the “Analytics Gateway,” which leverages AI and data science to improve access to medicines both in India and globally. This center is expected to enhance Pfizer’s ability to address healthcare challenges more efficiently through data-driven insights.
Space collaboration was also highlighted, with Viasat signing an MOU with the Indian government to advance next-generation space technologies, delivering high-speed internet services to both Indian and international users.
Otis Worldwide announced an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, doubling its escalator production capacity to support infrastructure projects across India, including metro systems and commercial developments.
Strengthening the Bilateral Partnership
The US-India CEO Forum’s achievements come at a time when the two nations are positioning themselves as global leaders in innovation, trade, and security. With strategic sectors such as defence, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and technology seeing expanded cooperation, the forum is a critical driver of the growing US-India partnership.
US-India CEO Forum Strengthens Ties Post-Prime Minister’s US Visit