WASHINGTON (TIP): The U.S.-India Business Council’s (USIBC) board of directors announced, November 22, 2016, the appointments of six global business leaders to serve as members of the board. Among them are three Indian Americans. They are Sanjay Bhatnagar, President & CEO, WaterHealth International; Amit Midha, President of Asia Pacific and Japan Region and Chairman, Global Emerging Markets, Dell and Bob Patel, CEO, LyondellBasell. Others nominated are John Rood, Senior Vice President, Lockheed Martin International. Omar Ishrak, CEO, Medtronic and Enrique Ostale, CEO of Latin America, India, and Africa, Walmart. They join a prestigious group of CEOs and executives on USIBC’s board of directors, including USIBC Chair John Chambers, Executive Chairman of Cisco Systems.

“The U.S.-India Business Council and the board of directors remain committed to advancing the bilateral commercial relationship between the United States and India. Our members are encouraged by Government of India’s commitment to economic growth and improving the business climate in India. Even as a transition occurs in the U.S. government, USIBC will continue to advocate for meaningful and consistent dialogues at the highest levels between the two sides. The U.S.-India partnership is deeper and broader than ever before and given the growing importance of India as the world’s fastest growing economy, it is critical that the next administration continue the work on furthering ties between our countries,” said Mukesh Aghi, President, USIBC.

“Medtronic is pleased to partner with the U.S.-India Business Council in its efforts to deliver world-class and innovative healthcare solutions to millions of Indians,” said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. “The innovation-based economy supports the growth of the life sciences industry and continues to be one of the most promising opportunities for the U.S.-India bilateral ties.” “I’m pleased to join the U.S.-India Business Council and work towards bolstering the commercial ties between India and the United States,” said Amit Midha, President, Commercial, Dell EMC Asia Pacific and Japan. “These bilateral opportunities will only continue to grow as India makes impressive strides in implementing economic reforms. Digital India holds a trillion dollar technology opportunity, we will continue to collaborate with governments, partners and customers to create a technology enabled future for modern India.”

Sanjay Bhatnagar, President & CEO at WaterHealth International said, “As India continues on its track towards economic progress, it is more essential than ever before that businesses bring long-term, inclusive and sustainable solutions to address the challenges India is facing.”

Enrique Ostale, CEO of Latin America, India, and Africa at Walmart said, “I am pleased to join an esteemed group on USIBC’s board of directors and support its efforts to deepen the business relationship between the U.S. and India. Through our India investments, we continue to support local businesses and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.”

Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at LyondellBasell said, “The U.S. and India have a special relationship, and I’m very honored to be part of an organization dedicated to strengthening our ties through commerce. As India’s middle class continues to grow, so will the need for durable products that make modern life more convenient and comfortable.”