On November 14th, members convened 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, in New Delhi. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed participants and introduced the speakers. It was clear that the frequency of high-level government to government delegations between the U.S. and India evidenced the ongoing importance of the bilateral relationship. The speakers emphasized the importance of industry’s perspective in policy and regulatory matters and gave their thoughts on India’s growing economy. The recently concluded first meeting (virtually) of the U.S.-India CEO Forum, IPEF and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) were discussed. Collaboration in clean energy, supply chain restructuring, critical emerging technologies and defense trade were also touched upon.

 An active Q&A with members was moderated by Mr. Salil Gupte, Immediate Past Chairman, AMCHAM and President, Boeing India. Members raised challenges and points on procurement, market access, trade marginalization, trusted source mandates, IPR enforcement and corporate social responsibility, among others. In his closing remarks, Mr. William Blair, National Executive Board Member and Chairman – Defense Committee, AMCHAM and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, was hopeful for more ways industry could underpin the government to government interactions. The next bimonthly USG briefing would be held in January 2023.