AMCHAM hosted an exclusive meeting with Ms. Bethany Poulos Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary for India and Bhutan, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State on July 8th at the Bank of America office in Mumbai. Members of AMCHAM’s Western Region Executive Committee and senior representatives from leading U.S. companies operating in Maharashtra attended the meeting. The discussion focused on opportunities and challenges of doing business in India, with a specific emphasis on the current state of U.S.-India bilateral trade. Members shared how the ease of doing business in India has improved in recent years, with increased transparency, greater receptivity from government stakeholders, and a stronger commitment to reform, at both the central and state levels. Participants highlighted that trade, security, and mobility remain three critical areas for continued collaboration between the two countries. Members candidly discussed ongoing challenges faced by U.S. companies operating in India, such as, frequent policy changes, non-trade barriers, and complexities within the taxation structure, particularly the disparity in tax regimes across states. Concerns around data localization requirements and their implications for global operations and digital trade were highlighted as areas requiring further policy clarity and alignment. The open and constructive dialogue allowed DAS Morrison to hear firsthand perspectives from industry leaders and reinforced AMCHAM’s commitment to working closely with both governments to further strengthen the U.S.-India economic partnership. The meeting concluded with an understanding to continue this engagement and maintain an ongoing channel of communication to address key business and policy priorities for U.S. companies in India.