On Tuesday, 12th February 2019, AMCHAM India organized a roundtable discussion on Indo-Pacific strategy with Mr. Thomas L. Vajda, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South And Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The meeting began with opening remarks by Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM India. This was followed by a welcome address by Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Vice Chairperson, AMCHAM and President & Country Head (India), Bank of America N.A. and an address by Consul General Edgard D. Kagan, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.

Mr. Thomas L. Vajda began his address by thanking everyone present and acknowledging the wonderful experience and the relationship he shared with AMCHAM during his tenure as U.S. Consul General Mumbai from 2014-2017. Through his keynote he actively discussed and shared insight on the vision of the Indo-Pacific strategy as an area of partnership between the U.S. and the Indo region. He highlighted the key areas of focus namely defense and security, governance, energy, infrastructure, cyber security and the intent of the U.S. government to explore ways to promote partnership with the private sector in the region. The floor was opened for an interactive discussion with AMCHAM members which saw candid sharing of issues and feedback on the ease of doing business for American companies doing business in India and the region.

In closing, Mr. Vajda reiterated the keen support of the U.S. Consulate, U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of State to U.S. companies in India and the neighboring countries. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and vote of thanks by Ms. Ursula Thakkar, Chairperson – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director, South Asia, Lubrizol Advanced Materials India Pvt. Ltd.