In a recent statement, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s ambassador to the United States, emphasized the transformative impact of India’s economic and policy reforms over the past decade on Indo-US relations. Speaking at the ‘Capitol Hill Summit 2026’ in Washington, Kwatra highlighted that reforms initiated post-2014 have significantly bolstered trade, investment, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Addressing the summit organized by the US-India Friendship Council, Kwatra pointed out the pivotal role of India’s rapid economic development and reforms in strengthening global partnerships. He noted that this ongoing transformation is a key reason for the expanding cooperation between India and the United States across diverse sectors.
The ambassador revealed an ambitious goal for bilateral trade, aiming to increase it to $500 billion by 2030, up from the current approximately $220 billion. He also mentioned the swift progress in partnerships across technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors, indicating a broadening of collaborative efforts beyond just trade.
Highlighting defense and security ties, Kwatra noted that India has become the largest foreign user of several critical US defense platforms. He stressed the joint efforts of the two countries’ armed forces in addressing common security challenges and underscored the growing coordination in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Kwatra also spoke about new opportunities in the civil nuclear energy sector, particularly following the implementation of the SHANTI Act, which opens avenues for private sector collaboration. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the US Congress, describing India and the US as not just strategic partners but natural allies sharing democratic values. The summit, attended by prominent US leaders such as Representatives Ro Khanna, Deborah Ross, and Senator Steve Daines, also included discussions on the future of India-US relations, global security, and economic cooperation, with experts foreseeing an increasingly significant role for the partnership in global politics and trade.