NEW DELHI — Stronger economic and strategic ties between India and the United States would benefit both countries as India continues its rise as a major global economic power, former G20 Sherpa and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Monday.
Kant’s remarks come amid indications that U.S. President Donald Trump could visit India early next year as the two countries continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.
In an interview with IANS, Kant said the Indian government has consistently sought to maintain strong relations with the United States, one of the country’s most important economic partners.
“The United States is a major trading and investment partner of India, and it will be mutually beneficial for both countries if India continues to expand its relationship with America,” he said.
Kant noted that the United States accounts for nearly 26 percent of global gross domestic product and almost half of the world’s market capitalization. The country also remains a leader in several emerging technologies.
“India’s growth trajectory can significantly benefit from deeper engagement with the American market,” Amitabh Kant told IANS.
At the same time, Kant said the United States must recognize India’s growing importance in the global economy. He said India is on course to expand from a $4 trillion economy to a $30 trillion economy as it pursues its goal of becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat initiative.
Kant also pointed to India’s democratic institutions and recent economic reforms, describing the country as a vibrant democracy that has undertaken some of the world’s most significant economic transformations.
His comments followed remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating that Washington is working to arrange a visit by Trump to India early next year. Rubio is also expected to travel to India later this year to prepare for the proposed presidential visit. (Source: IANS)
