US Consulate and CUTS International organise workshop in city

In the welcome remarks, Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International, began by highlighting the dynamic U.S.-India cooperation, where the two countries have evolved as the most valued partners in today’s geopolitical scenario. He mentioned that owing to the converging security and strategic interests, embedded in the commitment to promoting a resilient, rules-based international order, a substantial bilateral progress has been witnessed through the ideation and execution of a “Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.” With the backdrop of the 5th Annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (November 2023), the countries have been focused on interoperability and maximization of shared benefits of agreements. Mr. Mehta suggested that this development must be substantiated in the future with endeavors like the transition into a 3+3 dialogue encompassing trade, intrinsically linked to both foreign policy and defense policy.

In his keynote address, U.S. Consul General in Chennai Christopher Hodges said, “The United States and India share a convergence of interests and values and are enjoying a real moment in the bilateral relationship.  It’s up to us to take advantage of that momentum and draw from the power and dynamism of our diverse populations to drive research and innovation across business, across education, across culture and across defense.  We must bring all of our talent on both sides to the table to help drive this relationship forward.”

On these lines, the tone was set for the keynote address of S. Christopher, Former Chairman, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), mentioning the India-U.S.relationship was going through a dynamic transition. He said that the relationship has been strengthened through a parallel progression of connecting people of both the nations, creating newer avenues and also partnership. In the present scenario, India is on its way to having the maximum number of youth population, looking forward to connect with the rest of the world, creating further opportunities. Power and partnership model is the new key to connectivity between the two countries.