Narendra Modi Has Opportunity to Bring New Energy to Indo-U.S. Ties: American Lawmaker

“Adding to these problems, India has one of the fastest growing workforces in the world, and is currently able to create only two million jobs per year for the 12 million people entering its workforce. To meet these challenges, a pro-business, pro-growth leader is needed,” he wrote.

Royce said it is likely that Modi will focus on private enterprise, reduced bureaucracy, and stronger trade ties with major partners.

“Importantly, Modi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his first day as prime minister, stressing that the two sides could move trade ties immediately. These maneuvers should help jumpstart India’s economy, but importantly, they will also place a much needed focus on improved trade,” he said.

“Since 2001, U.S.-India trade may have doubled every five years, but our economic relationship remains far below the scale of our markets. The value of U.S.-India trade is still only one-seventh that of our trade with China, despite warm relations and numerous shared values. Modi’s commitment to cut the red tape that has long plagued our trade relationship gives reason for hope that our economic partnership will flourish,” Royce said.