India and the United States enhanced their collaboration in trade, defense, and critical technologies during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Washington. The discussions encompassed interactions at the Pentagon and the Department of Commerce, with a focus on bolstering trade relations through a newly launched digital platform.
Foreign Secretary Misri, along with Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, inaugurated the India–USA Trade Facilitation Portal, aimed at facilitating trade between the two nations. This initiative, known as “Mission 500,” is designed to streamline market access and enhance commercial ties, with exporter registrations now open.
Meetings held at the Pentagon included productive discussions with key officials like Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Mike Duffey. These talks emphasized the mutual goal of strengthening defense industrial, technology, and supply chain connections as outlined in the bilateral Major Defence Partnership Framework signed last year.
At the Department of Commerce, Misri engaged with Under Secretaries Jeffrey Kessler and William Kimmitt to foster collaboration in commercial and critical technologies. The focus was on developing resilient and trustworthy supply chains to support economic and strategic objectives between the two countries.
The visit underscores a concerted effort to align economic and strategic interests, particularly in emerging technologies and secure supply chains. It follows a series of high-level exchanges between India and the US, reinforcing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with a focus on defense, technology, and supply chain cooperation.
