WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) brought together top government officials, business executives, diplomats, and policy experts for its ninth Leadership Summit in Washington. The event highlighted the growing partnership between the United States and India while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Leaders also discussed new opportunities in trade, technology, defense, energy, and investment.
The summit focused on strengthening ties between the world’s oldest and largest democracies. Throughout the day, speakers stressed the need for closer cooperation as both countries face changing global economic and security challenges. They also emphasized stronger supply chains, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and emerging technologies.
The event began with a private discussion between USISPF board members and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Greer recently returned from India and shared updates on ongoing trade negotiations. He said both sides continue to work toward an interim trade agreement that could expand business opportunities and boost bilateral trade.
Later, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor addressed the audience. He said the United States and India aim to increase bilateral trade to more than $500 billion in the coming years. He described the target as unmatched and said both countries remain ready to deepen their economic partnership. He also noted that India exports more goods to the United States than to any other country. In addition, he pointed to the strong defense relationship, saying the two nations conduct more military exercises together than India does with any other partner.
India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, highlighted India’s economic progress under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said reforms introduced since 2014 have helped the country maintain annual growth above 7%. He also explained that India’s focus on self-reliance has strengthened domestic industries while creating wider economic benefits.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Mark D. Wiseman, called for stronger cooperation among Canada, the United States, and India. He praised India’s skilled workforce, research capabilities, and fast-growing innovation sector. He also said artificial intelligence offers fresh opportunities for all three countries to work together and create economic growth.
Technology remained a major topic during the summit. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg discussed trusted technology partnerships and critical mineral cooperation. He praised India’s role in the Pax Silica initiative and said artificial intelligence will become a major driver of future economic growth. He also said countries can achieve greater success by combining their strengths through trusted global partnerships.
The summit also recognized business leaders who have helped strengthen economic ties between North America and India. USISPF presented its 2026 Leadership Awards to Bharti Enterprises Founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, RTX President and CEO Christopher T. Calio, and Fairfax Financial Holdings Chairman and CEO Prem Watsa.
Mittal thanked USISPF for the honor and congratulated the other award recipients. He also praised the Indian American community, saying its nearly five million members continue to strengthen trade, defense cooperation, and technology partnerships between the two countries.
Watsa described the United States and India as two powerful democracies with enormous economic potential. He pointed to India’s rapidly growing middle class and said expanding consumer demand will create significant business opportunities over the coming years.
USISPF also honored Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia with its Distinguished Public Service Award. Both lawmakers have supported stronger U.S.-India relations through bipartisan efforts in Congress.
Warner recalled leading Virginia’s first trade mission to India in 2005 while serving as governor. He said that the visit convinced him the relationship deserved long-term investment. Daines also praised India as a trusted partner and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, defense, and advanced technology. He said closer ties with India will help support regional stability and strengthen economic security.
The summit concluded with the launch of the second edition of We The People – 250 Voices, a commemorative coffee table book that honors 250 individuals who have shaped the U.S.-India relationship through diplomacy, business, science, education, culture, and public service.
