The United States is looking to deepen its investment relationship with India and is open to helping Indian businesses better understand the country’s national security review process for foreign investments, according to a senior US Treasury Department official.
Speaking ahead of the G20 finance meetings in Asheville, Assistant Secretary for Treasury Chris Pilkerton described India as an important partner and said he welcomed opportunities to engage with Indian government representatives and companies interested in investing in the United States.
Pilkerton said discussions could help Indian businesses understand and work through the process overseen by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, commonly known as CFIUS. The committee examines certain foreign investments to determine whether they could create risks to US national security.
According to Pilkerton, CFIUS does not judge investments simply based on the country from which the money originates. Instead, each proposed transaction is assessed individually, with officials examining the potential national security implications of the specific investment.
He said nearly 90 percent of transactions reviewed by the committee ultimately receive clearance. In some cases, investments are allowed to move forward after certain safeguards or measures are introduced to address identified security concerns.
Foreign investment, Pilkerton noted, can provide significant benefits to communities across the United States. These investments may contribute to economic development, create jobs, expand local workforces and generate opportunities for suppliers, small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Treasury official also emphasized Washington’s interest in working with allies and partners to promote investment opportunities, particularly in innovative and emerging industries. While the Trump administration remains committed to its America First approach, Pilkerton said the policy does not mean the United States intends to operate without international partnerships.
He declined to outline any specific economic outcomes Washington expects from the Indian delegation during the Asheville meetings but stressed that economic growth remains a major priority.
The upcoming discussions are expected to address issues including global economic growth, trade imbalances, resilient supply chains and investment partnerships. Technology and national security are also likely to remain important topics, particularly as countries navigate developments in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, hypersonics and the growing space economy.
Pilkerton said the United States wants to encourage secure cooperation with trusted partners while ensuring that sensitive technologies with potential dual-use applications are adequately protected. Against this backdrop, India and the United States continue to strengthen their economic and strategic relationship, with growing cooperation in investment, advanced technology and secure supply chains.
