Richard Verma Highlights Growing Indian American Population And Their Impact
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in crucial discussions with senior American diplomats ahead of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming visit. Misri, along with the Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, met with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma.
Their talks underscored the growing relationship between the two nations, focusing on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to prosperity.
Richard Verma highlighted the Biden administration’s deep commitment to strengthening US-India ties, noting that 130 Indian Americans now hold senior positions within the administration. He also pointed to the rising influence of Indian entrepreneurs, with 20% of American unicorn startups being founded or co-founded by Indian migrants.
The growing bilateral relationship is further demonstrated by the surge in trade and defense cooperation. Trade between the US and India has grown from $20 billion in 2000 to $195 billion in 2023, with projections to surpass $200 billion by 2024. The defense trade has similarly soared, reaching $24 billion in 2023. Richard Verma emphasized that India is now the US’s top military partner, with joint exercises like Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, and Cope India reflecting this deepening collaboration.
The number of Indian students in the US has also risen significantly, from 54,664 in 2000 to 331,600 in 2023. The US Mission in India issued over one million visas in 2023, and both countries are expanding their diplomatic presence with new consulates planned for Boston, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, Richard Verma pointed out. (with ANI feed)
