WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Indian American community has played a major role in shaping the United States, a senior U.S. official said while highlighting the growing partnership between the United States and India.
Speaking at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) Capitol Hill Day on June 23 at the U.S. Capitol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Bethany Morrison called the Indian American community a “vibrant community” that has contributed greatly to the nation’s growth.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, Morrison said Indian Americans remain an important part of the country’s history and future. She said their achievements continue to strengthen the economy, public service, and innovation.
Morrison said she joined the Trump administration in January and specifically requested the India and South Asia portfolio. She added that she considers the U.S.-India relationship one of America’s most important partnerships. She also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly shared that view.
In addition, Morrison recalled President Donald Trump’s 2019 speech in Houston. She said Trump recognized the Indian American community and stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between the two countries in trade, defense, and energy.
Morrison said Indian American leaders continue to guide some of the nation’s biggest technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, IBM and Adobe. She said their leadership supports economic growth across the United States.
Moreover, she pointed to Indian Americans serving in senior government positions. She mentioned leaders at the FBI, the National Institutes of Health and Second Lady Usha Vance as examples of the community’s growing influence in public policy.
Morrison also discussed her recent visit to India with Rubio. She described the trip as productive and focused on results instead of meetings. She said both countries made progress on priorities shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump.
The senior diplomat also highlighted the interim reciprocal trade framework announced by the United States and India in February 2026. She said both governments designed the framework to support a future trade agreement.
“We are very, very close,” Morrison said. She added that the proposed deal would expand access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers while creating reciprocal and mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Furthermore, Morrison reaffirmed the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. She said both governments are pursuing that target with urgency. She also described 2025 as a historic year for U.S.-India trade.
According to Morrison, bilateral goods trade reached $149 billion in 2025. She also said U.S. exports to India increased by 9.8% compared with the previous year.
Investment also remains a key part of the growing relationship. Morrison said Indian companies continue to expand operations across the United States. She highlighted the recent SelectUSA Investment Summit, where Indian businesses announced $20 billion in investments, including $1.1 billion in immediate commitments.
She said the investment total marked the largest announcement in the history of the SelectUSA program.
Meanwhile, Morrison praised the TRUST Initiative launched by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi last year. She said the initiative strengthens cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and other advanced technologies.
“The U.S.-India relationship is the future,” Morrison said. She added that both countries continue to invest in technologies that will drive long-term economic growth and innovation.
Energy cooperation also continues to expand. Morrison said bilateral hydrocarbon trade has grown significantly since 2025 and now stands at $14.4 billion. She also pointed to greater civil nuclear cooperation under the recently enacted SHANTI Act.
At the same time, Morrison described defense ties as another major pillar of the partnership. She said the two countries signed a 10-year defense framework last October. The agreement supports joint development, co-production, and stronger industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Finally, Morrison highlighted the importance of education and people-to-people connections. She noted that the Fulbright Program in India celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and has awarded more than 21,000 fellowships and grants to Americans and Indians.
She also said more than 330,000 Indian students currently study at U.S. colleges and universities. According to Morrison, those students contribute more than $14 billion each year to the U.S. economy. She said these educational ties continue to strengthen the long-term partnership between the United States and India.
