WASHINGTON (September 25, 2014) – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) hosted a media call today to discuss Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States. It highlighted the key issues that must be improved upon in order to enhance U.S. – India relations. Panelists included American Enterprise Institute Fellow and Wall Street Journal columnist Sadanand Dhume, ITIF Senior Analyst Stephen Ezell, Patrick Kilbride of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC), and Chris Moore of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
“America’s relationship with India is critical to our future economic health as well as overall global security and international cooperation,” says Ezell. “Prime Minister Modi’s visit provides a window to address the trade policy challenges that partnership faces and improve the environment for all parties.”
While the Modi administration has taken significant steps in the right direction and should be commended for its efforts, a number of intellectual property, trade, and industrial policy issues persist between the U.S. and India. These need to be addressed if the strong economic partnership between the two nations is to advance.
“Strong IP laws are the key to assuring that any economy remains viable and relevant in the 21st century,” notes Kilbride. “While India is working toward bringing its policies in line with international norms, there are certain areas where we must see results sooner rather than later in order to expand our economicand trade relationship.”
“Turning around a troubled and underperforming trade and investment relationship must be at the top of the agenda when President Obama and Prime Minister Modi meet next week,” adds Moore. “Manufacturers are hearing positive things from the Prime Minister and his team, but concrete progress and real results on trade facilitation, tariffs and discriminatory industrial policies are essential. Decisive action in these areas and others can demonstrate to the world that Modi’s India is open for business, not business as usual.”
“Prime Minister Modi’s election has created a pivotal moment for India to reshape its influence in the world,” says Dhume. “With the U.S. – India relationship, there may not be a better opening for both sides to build upon existing partnerships and move toward a better future.”
In addition to hosting the constructive conversation about Modi’s visit, ITIF also published a progress report on the Modi government’s trade and IP policy.
“While Modi’s election has created significant potential for bettering U.S. – India relations, one question still remains - what can be done to make it a reality?,” asks Ezell. “The progress report provides actionable next steps for both governments to follow.”
Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday and will then travel to Washington, DC on September 29. He will return to India on September 30.
