The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has expanded its board of directors by appointing Raj Shah, co-CEO of MSI Surfaces, and Prashant Ruia, director at Essar Capital. With a substantial role at Essar since 1985, Ruia has played a key part in the company’s growth and diversification, steering it towards a greener economy and sustainable businesses. Ruia sees his appointment as an opportunity to strengthen economic ties between the United States and India, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
On the other hand, Raj Shah, co-CEO at MSI Surfaces, whose family founded the company in 1975, brings his expertise to the board. Having previously worked as a vice president at Lehman Brothers, focusing on financial sponsor/private equity funds, Shah acknowledges India’s vital role in manufacturing and services for the US. He expresses enthusiasm for working with the USISPF Board to reinforce ties between the two nations.
USISPF President and CEO, Dr. Mukesh Aghi, underscores the significance of the recent board additions in aligning with the growing synergy in US-India ties, particularly in critical technologies and emerging sectors. He emphasizes USISPF’s position as an institution dedicated to building on the commercial and geostrategic aspects of the partnership in 2024.
John Chambers, USISPF Chairman, highlights the broadening of the organization’s roster with private-sector experts like Shah and Ruia. He emphasizes their passion from Fortune 250 companies to enhance relations and business pursuits between the US and India. Chambers believes that these appointments position USISPF for even greater success in the coming years.
As the sole independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening the US-India partnership in Washington, D.C., and New Delhi, USISPF continues to be a trusted partner for businesses, non-profit organizations, and the diaspora in both countries.
