Apex business chamber Assocham and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US as a landmark event in strengthening India-US trade and investment relations.
The joint statement which followed the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, symbolises the continued trust and strengthening of the strategic partnership between India and the US, said Assocham president Sanjay Nayar.
He pointed out that there are several tangible outcomes from the PM’s visit to the US. These include strengthening cooperation in defence, terrorism, energy security covering both fossil fuels and nuclear power, trade and investment besides leveraging India's human capital.
Another major outcome is the development of a US-India roadmap on accelerating AI Infrastructure by the end of the year. The ambitious target of $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 is eminently achievable while agreement on negotiation for Bilateral Trade Agreement would pave the way for new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations, Nayar added.
According to FIEO president Ashwani Kumar, the visit marked a significant step towards deeper economic cooperation, expanding trade, boosting investments, and solidifying strategic ties between the two nations.
He observed that the discussions marked a major milestone in the growing economic relationship between India and the US. With the US emerging as one of India’s largest trading partners, these developments will provide Indian exporters with new opportunities.
The focus on technology, defence, and green energy will particularly benefit India’s export sectors and enhance global competitiveness.
The FIEO chief also lauded the increased investment focus, which will fuel new industries and job creation in India, providing a major boost to the 'Make in India' initiative and driving demand for Indian exports.
He underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade by eliminating barriers and streamlining processes. Focus areas include technology, healthcare, agriculture, and textiles, with the ambitious goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 under "Mission 500."
Kumar appreciated the early timeline for a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025, aimed at increasing market access, reducing trade barriers, and improving supply chain integration.
The discussions led to announcements of initiatives to boost US investments in India, particularly in renewable energy, defence, infrastructure, and technology.
“These investments will create new opportunities for Indian exporters and position India as a key hub for innovation and manufacturing. A major focus was placed on enhancing cooperation in IT, AI, and 5G infrastructure, opening up significant growth potential for Indian tech businesses in the US market,” the FIEO chief added.
New Act enacted to curb Waqf misuse, claims Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 has been passed in the Parliament, aiming to address allegations of misuse of Waqf properties by a section of leaders, misuse of Section 40, land grabbing, and other corruption.
DoNER Ministry facilitate in unlocking Manipur’s growth: Scindia
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said that he is confident that his ministry would serve as a proactive facilitator in unlocking new opportunities and accelerating Manipur’s growth and development.
Bengal school jobs row: SC allows 'untainted' teachers to continue till fresh selection is over
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the "untainted" assistant teachers in West Bengal, whose appointments were cancelled due to large-scale irregularities in the 2016 selection process, to continue in their positions till fresh recruitment is completed.
Waqf Act row: No fresh appointments or de-notification of existing waqfs, Centre assures SC
The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the undertaking given by the Union government that no fresh members would be appointed to waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council in terms of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, till the next date of hearing, and asked it to file its preliminary reply within seven days.
Patel's alarm, Nehru's ‘dismissal’: The origins of the National Herald storm
A series of letters exchanged between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1950, as documented in the book Sardar Patel’s Correspondence, suggest that Patel expressed concerns to Nehru regarding the use of the ‘National Herald’ for fundraising purposes.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra likely to resume soon: MEA
India and China continue to make progress on finalising the modalities to resume Kailash Manasarovar Yatra which can start soon, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
Pakistan's reputation as epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish: MEA
Slamming Islamabad's attempts to distance itself from Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India on Thursday said that no matter how hard Pakistan tries, its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish.
India emerging as key player in global defence production: Rajnath Singh
Highlighting the growing production capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India today stands shoulder to shoulder with developed nations in critical areas such as missile technology (Agni, BrahMos), submarines (INS Arihant), aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), AI, drones and cyber defence.