Economic ties are core of India-US partnership, says US Secy of State Blinken

New Delhi, June 13 (KNN) Economics ties are at the heart of the Indo-US strategic partnership, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.

Addressing the annual India Ideas Summit of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), he said that the two countries are helping shape innovations of the future and the norms governing them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for an official visit to United States (US) from June 21-24.

Last year trade between the two countries reached a record USD 191 billion, making the US the largest trading partner for India, added Blinken.

American companies have invested at least USD 54 billion in India -- from manufacturing to telecommunications.

In the US, he said, Indian companies have invested over USD 40 billion -- in IT, pharmaceuticals and more -- supporting 4,25,000 jobs from California to Georgia.

“We're here ahead of a historic State Visit by Prime Minister Modi -- one that will further solidify what President Biden has called a 'defining relationship' of the 21st century,” Blinken said.

“We see this defining relationship in our unique connection as the world's oldest and largest democracies, with a special obligation to demonstrate that our governments can deliver for and empower all our citizens,” he said.  (KNN Bureau)