On February 8th, members convened in New Delhi for an exclusive briefing by AMCHAM’s Honorary National Executive Board Members from the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Drew Schufletowski, Minister Counselor for Economic, Environment, Science and Technology and Mr. Jonathan Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed participants and introduced both the government speakers. Mr. Schuflerowski briefed members on the recently concluded G2G dialogue and the initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET). He shared a detailed perspective on the 6 identified sectors for planned cooperation under the iCET. Mr. Heimer shared with details on upcoming delegation visits with special mention to the highest level of leadership interactions with the Secretaries of State and Commerce to be closely followed by the Secretary of Defense. He also briefed and updated members on the increased visa clearance mechanisms in place by the Embassy to action the overwhelming visa requests from India.

An active Q&A followed where members raised challenges and points on non-availability of high grade raw materials, market access and IP enforcement, among others. They also discussed challenges that industry faced at different government departments and sought solutions. Mr. Salil Gupte, Immediate Past Chairman, AMCHAM and President, Boeing India shared Boeing’s experiences in streamlining the approval processes required by furnishing all the requested information by various government departments diligently in order to get the approvals and clearances as desired. Speakers reinforced and reemphasized industry’s participation and role in policy shaping and streamlining regulatory matters for strengthening the bilateral relationship. The multiple high level engagements between both governments in the coming months till the run up to the G20 summit in New Delhi in September was also discussed while considering AMCHAM’s engagement opportunities during the visits. The next bimonthly USG briefing would be held in March 2023.