Sitharaman Pushes India Investments In Meetings With US CEOs

CHICAGO, IL -Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with and addressed Indian Americans at the Consulate General of India here, highlighting their role in strengthening India’s global standing and bilateral ties, according to an official statement.

Sitharaman lauded the diaspora as a formidable force that enhances India’s soft power, global standing and relationships with other countries.

She also highlighted India’s potential to serve not only as a major market but as a global hub for developing, testing and manufacturing autonomous defense systems, leveraging its technology capabilities, skilled workforce and growing innovation ecosystem.

Sitharaman met Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt. Their discussions covered Hyatt’s continued commitment to India and opportunities to expand its presence as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector enters a new phase of growth, according to a Finance Ministry statement.

She highlighted India’s improving connectivity and infrastructure, which are opening up new tourism and commercial destinations, with Tier-II and Tier-III cities emerging as important centers of economic activity and travel.

She earlier met Brandon Tseng, Co-founder and President of Shield AI. Their discussions focused on the company’s engagement with India and opportunities to deepen cooperation in AI-enabled autonomy, unmanned systems and next-generation defense technologies, including R&D, technology development, co-development and co-production.

In her meeting with Monish Patolawala, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ADM, the discussions covered the company’s long-standing commitment to India and opportunities to expand its engagement across agriculture, food, nutrition, technology and sustainable value chains.

The finance minister welcomed ADM’s investments in India, including its growing farmer partnerships, engagement with Farmer Producer Organizations and establishment of its global technology and AI capabilities in Bengaluru.

She highlighted opportunities to further strengthen links with Indian farmers and expand regenerative and sustainable agriculture while leveraging India’s capabilities in food processing, innovation and emerging technologies. (IANS)