Trade – India and US Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Trade – Indian and American officials held a series of high-level engagements across several US cities this week, underscoring the steady momentum in bilateral ties. Discussions centered on expanding trade, strengthening energy collaboration, and enhancing strategic coordination between the two countries.
Diplomatic Outreach in North Dakota
In Bismarck, Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of India in Seattle, met with Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong during his visit to North Dakota. The meeting, hosted over a traditional Indian meal, provided an opportunity for informal yet substantive discussions on strengthening ties between India and the state.
According to India’s Seattle consulate, the interaction highlighted growing cooperation in trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections. Governor Armstrong described the talks as constructive and forward-looking. He noted that North Dakota sees significant scope to increase exports and commercial engagement with India, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and the energy sector.
State officials expressed interest in building on the dialogue to explore concrete partnerships that could benefit businesses and communities on both sides. The visit reflects India’s broader diplomatic outreach beyond traditional coastal hubs, engaging directly with US states that are keen to diversify international trade links.
Energy and Technology Talks in Houston
Further south, in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India, toured facilities operated by Honeywell. The visit included meetings with company executives and members of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.
Discussions focused on trends shaping the global energy landscape, the adoption of emerging technologies, and evolving market dynamics. Officials noted that India represents Honeywell’s largest presence outside the United States, underlining the depth of the commercial relationship.
The conversation also touched upon the historical collaboration between Indian industry and Honeywell, including the legacy of joint ventures that have supported industrial growth. Both sides examined potential avenues for future cooperation, particularly in energy transition initiatives, sustainability efforts, and advanced industrial automation.
The Houston visit concluded with a walkthrough of Honeywell’s Experience Center, where advanced technological solutions in manufacturing and energy management were showcased. The Indian consulate reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation-driven partnerships that align with India’s development priorities.
Strategic Dialogue at Princeton
Separately, Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, addressed the 2026 Global India Conference at Princeton University. In his remarks, Kapur highlighted the strategic dimensions of the India-US partnership, particularly in the context of national security and the Indo-Pacific region.
He emphasized that Washington and New Delhi are working together to promote stability and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific. The partnership, he said, is aimed at advancing shared interests and ensuring a secure environment that supports prosperity for both nations.
Nuclear Energy Investment Discussions
Kapur also visited a technology and manufacturing hub operated by Holtec International in Camden, New Jersey. During his tour, he met with Chief Executive Officer Kris Singh to review the company’s plans for nuclear energy investment and its collaboration with Indian firms.
The discussions centered on clean energy development, job creation, and enhancing energy security through advanced nuclear technologies. Holtec’s partnerships with Indian companies were highlighted as a key component of broader efforts to deepen industrial cooperation.
Expanding Bilateral Engagement
India and the United States have steadily expanded their relationship in recent years, with trade, advanced technology, and energy cooperation emerging as central pillars. Bilateral trade has surpassed 190 billion dollars, reflecting the scale of economic engagement. The two countries also coordinate closely in regional forums and initiatives across the Indo-Pacific.
The week’s meetings across Bismarck, Houston, Princeton, and Camden illustrate the multi-layered nature of the partnership. From state-level economic exchanges to strategic policy dialogue and corporate collaboration, both sides continue to explore new avenues to strengthen ties in a rapidly evolving global landscape.