Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US has been hailed as a transformative event for India-US trade relations, with top business chambers highlighting its significance. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) emphasized that the visit reinforced economic collaboration, opened new investment opportunities, and strengthened strategic ties.
Assocham president Sanjay Nayar noted that key developments from Modi’s discussions with former President Donald Trump included deeper cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, energy security—including fossil fuels and nuclear power—trade, and investment. A significant milestone was the commitment to accelerating AI infrastructure, with a roadmap expected by the year’s end. He also underscored that the ambitious target of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 is well within reach, with upcoming negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) expected to unlock fresh opportunities.
FIEO president Ashwani Kumar described the visit as a crucial step in enhancing economic engagement between India and the US. With America being one of India’s leading trading partners, this strengthened relationship will create new avenues for Indian exporters. Kumar highlighted that the focus on technology, defense, and renewable energy will elevate India’s competitiveness in global markets.
The visit also paved the way for increased US investments in India, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, defense, and technology. These investments are set to fuel new industries, generate employment, and bolster India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, cooperation in IT, artificial intelligence, and 5G infrastructure will expand growth opportunities for Indian tech companies in the US.
Kumar further praised the timeline set for finalizing a multi-sector BTA by Fall 2025, which aims to enhance market access, reduce trade barriers, and improve supply chain efficiency. The discussions reaffirmed India’s strategic importance as a global trade and innovation hub, positioning both nations for a stronger economic future.
