India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has highlighted significant economic and policy changes in India over the past decade as pivotal factors steering Indo-US relations towards a new trajectory. According to Kwatra, reforms initiated post-2014 have considerably strengthened trade, investment, and strategic cooperation between the two nations. He shared these insights during the ‘Capitol Hill Summit 2026’ held in Washington.
Addressing the summit organized by the US-India Friendship Council, Kwatra emphasized the transformative phase India is currently experiencing. He pointed out that the rapid economic growth and reforms within the country have bolstered global partnerships, thereby expanding the scope of collaboration between India and the United States to new domains.
Aiming high for future trade, the ambassador stated that both countries have set an ambitious target to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, up from the current figure of approximately $220 billion. Alongside trade, he noted that sectors such as technology, energy, and manufacturing are witnessing accelerated collaboration.
In the realm of defense and security, Kwatra underscored the growing partnership, mentioning that India has become the largest foreign user of several key US defense platforms. He remarked on the joint efforts of the two nations’ military forces to address shared security challenges and highlighted the increasing coordination aimed at maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ambassador also touched upon the potential for collaboration in the civilian nuclear energy sector, noting opportunities that have emerged following the implementation of the SHANTI Act. This legislation has paved the way for private companies to engage in new partnerships, further enhancing technological and industrial cooperation between India and the US. Kwatra referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the US Congress, affirming that India and the US are not only strategic partners but also natural allies sharing democratic values. He recognized the continuous efforts by various US administrations to strengthen ties with India. The summit also featured prominent American lawmakers, including Ro Khanna, Deborah Ross, Tim Moore, and Senator Steve Daines, who participated in discussions on the future of India-US relations, global security, and economic cooperation. Experts believe the partnership between the two countries is poised to play a significant role in global politics and trade in the coming years.