US-India ties on upward trajectory, says US envoy to India Kenneth Juster

The US and India have strengthened their ties in a number of key areas like defence, counter-terrorism, trade and energy over the years and would continue to take the cooperation to "new heights", a top American diplomat has said.

The US sees India as a strategic partner, "leading power" and what former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee correctly called "natural allies" in the Indo-Pacific region, US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said, describing the country as a potential regional trade hub for American businesses.

"US-India relationship today is as broad, complex and rich in substance as any bilateral relationship in the world. It encompasses the entire spectrum of issues in international affairs," Juster, who was the keynote speaker at the 20th annual gala of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH), said.

Texas imported $3.6 billion worth of goods from India while exported $5.1 billion in goods to India, he said, adding the state accounts for over 15 percent of all US exports to India.

The US fully appreciates India's growing energy needs and look forward to helping meet those needs with US energy products, he said.

"Indian companies are expanding business in the US and Texas has been a prime beneficiary. For example, JSW Steel is investing $500 million in nearby Baytown to refurbish and expand a steel plant.

"Wipro and Infosys have opened technology centers in Texas and Mahindra's headquarters is in Houston. These Indian investments create jobs in this country, provide quality products to our consumers and contribute to our economy," Juster said, adding that the US-India strategic relationship is strong and on an upward trajectory.