India, U.S. Poised On More Collaborative Path: Envoy

"But the fact is that public opinion in each country about the other has shifted clearly in a favourable direction," the ambassador said noting "Our politicians and business leaders get it, as do scientists, educationists and the military."

The economic reform in India, initiated two decades ago and pursued by successive governments had led to higher growth rates, better quality of life and new markets within India, Jaishankar noted.

"One reflection of higher growth rates is the substantial expansion of the middle class," he said noting "That not only drew more American companies to India but created the basis for a serious services industry."

"Today, the services trade is almost as large as the one in merchandise. Many major American companies have operations in India, varying in their complexity and significance," Jaishankar said

However, "attempts were being made to undermine our services trade using immigration reforms" he said referring to the current Senate bill which is discriminatory to India.

"This will only lessen the competitiveness of U.S. companies but also negatively affect the strongest advocates in India of our relationship," Jaishankar warned.
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