WASHINGTON (TIP): Celebrating its 42nd year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce U.S.-India Business Council’s (USIBC) Annual Leadership Summit on June 27 featured Vice President of the United States Mike Pence and other high-ranking government and private sector leaders to address USIBC members and guests.

The Leadership Summit focused on the important role of the private sector in advancing the ties between the two countries, the future of the U.S.-India economic relationship, as well as strengthening and deepening the U.S.-India defense partnership.

“The partnership between the U.S. and India has never been more important,” said John Chambers, USIBC chairman and executive chairman of Cisco. “Both governments are deeply committed to creating greater economic opportunity for their citizens. The USIBC does just that by advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had so far in driving economic growth, job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship in both nations, and we look forward to shaping the future of both countries by doubling down on our efforts in the years to come.”

The summit welcomed addresses from the Ambassador of India to the United States Navtej Sarna and Congressman Pete Sessions, chairman of the House Committee on Rules. USIBC presented its prestigious annual “Global Leadership Awards” to Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, and Adi Godrej, chairman of the Godrej Group. Both were honored for creating inclusive business environments, integrating India in the global supply chain and advancing core values such as manufacturing, innovation and scale in tough market conditions.

“I would like to thank the U.S.-India Business Council for honoring me with the Global Leadership Award. The United States and India enjoy a strong economic relationship, both in terms of trade and investment. With India’s strong expected growth over the next few years, this relationship will grow multifold and will be helped by the excellent work by the U.S.-India Business Council,” said Godrej on receiving the award.

“It is our pleasure honoring these two industry leaders that have made tremendous strides in their businesses. They are indicative of the power of private enterprise in building strong ties between India and the U.S. As both governments prioritize their domestic and foreign trade policies, we encourage fostering environments that grow businesses and advance economic opportunity in both India and the United States. We also congratulate President Trump and Prime Minister Modi on having completed a successful first round of talks and look forward to future engagements,” stated USIBC President Mukesh Aghi.