By Sitaram Mewati – Mumbai
A seven-member legislative delegation from the United States visited World Trade Center Mumbai to explore new avenues for strengthening trade, investment, innovation and sectoral cooperation between India and the United States.
The delegation was led by Sen. Wayne Harper, President Pro Tempore of the Utah Senate, and included Kristin Kahalooa, Dan Saddler, Ron Winterton, Chase Blasi, Bryan Thomas and Chris Lee. The visit was hosted jointly by WTC Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) as part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic engagement between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Sen. Harper said that India and the United States, the world’s largest and oldest democracies respectively, share strong values and significant opportunities for expanding economic cooperation. He highlighted sectors such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and higher education as key areas for future collaboration. Harper also expressed optimism that the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement would create fresh opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC and President AIAI, noted that bilateral trade in goods and services between India and the United States has surpassed USD 230 billion, reflecting the strength of the economic relationship. He said both countries are working towards an ambitious target of USD 500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Dr. Kalantri observed that America’s strengths in innovation, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and entrepreneurship complement India’s capabilities in information technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering, manufacturing and start-ups. He emphasized that trade delegations, business-to-business meetings, institutional partnerships and sector-specific collaborations would play a crucial role in accelerating bilateral economic engagement.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promote stronger India–U.S. trade and investment ties, foster innovation-led partnerships and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
