US: Representative Bill Huizenga: “India is one of the fastest-growing major economies”

US: The rising economic and strategic facets of the India-US connection were emphasized by US Representative Bill Huizenga, who also emphasized the growing interest of US companies and the need of closer collaboration to maintain Indo-Pacific stability.

He spoke at the hearing on “The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific” held by the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee.

One of the main factors driving business participation, according to Huizenga, is India’s rapid economic expansion. “India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world… American companies are eager to enter the Indian market on a level playing field,” he said.

“A new trade deal with India under President Trump and Prime Minister Modi would further realise this goal and enhance the relationship,” he said, highlighting the importance of economic involvement in fortifying bilateral relationships.

He also emphasized the larger strategic implications of Washington and New Delhi working together, highlighting the significance of their combined geopolitical and economic might. “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how the world’s largest economy and the soon-to-be third-largest economy can work together to counterbalance China and preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said the president.

Senior officials in New Delhi were concurrently promoting the bilateral agenda that the two presidents had defined earlier this year while these talks were taking place in Washington. On Tuesday, US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss how to turn that vision into tangible advancements.

The goal of Hooker’s five-day visit is to deepen the two nations’ economic and strategic collaboration.

The “steady progress” made via the current discussion channels was appreciated by all parties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). As part of the Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) program, they decided to step up their efforts.

Trade and investment, defense cooperation, the TRUST program (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology), civil nuclear energy, emerging technologies, essential minerals, and trusted supply chains were among the many bilateral issues that were discussed during the discussions.

Launched in February, the TRUST project seeks to strengthen innovation, increase cooperation on vital and cutting-edge technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and create safe supply chains.

As stated by the US embassy, “The meeting was an opportunity to translate President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s vision from their February meeting into concrete progress that enhances US security, jobs, and competitiveness, while supporting India’s long-term goals.” The meeting aided in advancing the priorities that the two leaders shared.

The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership was thoroughly reviewed by the foreign office discussions, according to the MEA. Trade, defense, civil nuclear cooperation, vital minerals, new technology, and reliable supply networks were all topics of discussion.

Both parties reiterated their commitment to an open and free Indo-Pacific.

The two nations declared ambitious targets during PM Modi’s February visit to Washington, including India’s intentions to boost imports of US gas, oil, and defense systems.

They also established a goal of USD 500 billion in bilateral commerce annually by 2030 and reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a significant trade deal.

According to the US embassy, the undersecretary emphasized Washington’s goal of strengthening collaboration in “defense, energy, technology, space, and trusted supply chains and the value of US-India cooperation that fuels US innovation while supporting India’s rise as a global technology leader.”

She was quoted as having “expressed appreciation for the secretary’s continued partnership as both the United States and India pursue shared priorities that deliver tangible benefits for the American people and complement India’s national objectives.”