India Needs To Revitalize Its Economy To Be Global Player: U.S.

We have shared goals and objectives, and we'd like to see that not only do we have shared goals and objectives but that we work closely together in achieving those goals because we will have far greater impact across the region and around the world when we align and work together," she told.

Biswal said as India seeks to create a defense manufacturing base and as India seeks to modernize its defense sector, the US is going to play a critical role.

"We seek to deepen that partnership, to look for opportunities for co-development and coproduction in that range because as India's capacity grows, the ability of India to be a force for stability and security across the Asia- Pacific grows as well, and that is something that we very much support," she said.

Responding to questions, Biswal said Indian investment in the U.S. has resulted in over 100,000 jobs in America. "That's a powerful example of the two-way trade and the two-way benefits of this relationship," she said.

"With respect to skills and higher education, this is a big priority for the Modi government. It is an active area of engagement through our higher education dialogue. We're looking at not only how US institutions of higher education, our universities can partner with India, both in terms of Indian students studying in the U.S. as well as opportunities to expand access to education in India," she said. Assistant Commerce Secretary for Global Markets Arun Kumar said the U.S. is very encouraged by the interests of Indian companies.

"As they go global, they see the U.S. as the best place to invest. They see the U.S. as a place that provides them with a global platform to go to other countries," he said.