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Key Points

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal advocated for stronger India-US energy ties at a session in New York. He specifically called for expanding trade and collaboration on nuclear power and renewables. This push for energy cooperation is happening alongside ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. However, these positive discussions are somewhat overshadowed by recent US moves to restrict the H-1B visa program.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Calls for Expanded India-US Energy Trade in New York

  • Goyal highlighted the scope to expand bilateral energy trade and nuclear power collaboration
  • He reaffirmed PM Modi's 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' vision for solar energy
  • The minister also met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to negotiate a new trade agreement
  • Talks occurred alongside US plans to significantly curtail the H-1B visa program
2 min read

In New York, Piyush Goyal calls for expanding India-US energy trade

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal promotes India-US collaboration on nuclear power, renewables, and energy security at a high-level New York session.

"Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas - EAM S Jaishankar"

Washington, Sep 24

Commerce and Industry, Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday attended a high-level session on energy security in New York where he called for expanding India-US energy trade.

The event, co-organised by the Consulate General of India in New York, was also attended by Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur.

In a post on X, the Consulate General’s official account said that Goyal spoke about the “scope to expand India-US energy trade” and collaboration on nuclear power as an affordable clean energy option besides promoting start-ups in renewables.

He also called for global cooperation to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future and highlighted “India’s integrated national grid ensuring resilience and uninterrupted supply.”

Goyal also reaffirmed PM Modi’s vision of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid', India’s leadership in solar energy, the International Solar Alliance, and the “country’s renewable energy achievements, underscoring India’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable and affordable growth.”

On Monday, Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement.

Sources told IANS that the meeting focused on addressing key sticking points, and both sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon.

The trade talks come days after US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch held discussions with India’s chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in Delhi.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who is also in New York for the UN General Assembly, met Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday.

After the talks, Rubio said that India is of “critical” value to his country and welcomed the ongoing trade interactions.

Jaishankar also posted on X, "Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas".

However, the talks have been overshadowed by the Trump administration’s decision to significantly curtail the H-1B visa programme.

US President Donald Trump last week signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee for each new application.

On Tuesday, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new proposal to “amend its regulations” governing the H-1B visa process.

It seeks to scrap the existing lottery system and implement a weighted selection process to favour the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-skilled workers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While energy cooperation is good, I'm more concerned about the H-1B visa changes. Many Indian professionals will be affected by these new restrictions. Hope our government addresses this properly.
A
Ananya R
Nuclear power collaboration is the way forward! Clean energy that can power our growing economy without pollution. Good to see India taking leadership in sustainable development.
M
Michael C
As someone working in renewable energy sector, this is exciting news. India's solar achievements are impressive. Hope the trade talks lead to meaningful technology transfer.
S
Sarah B
The timing is interesting - energy cooperation talks while visa restrictions are tightening. Hope our diplomats can balance both aspects effectively.
V
Vikram M
Our national grid has come a long way! Remember the power cuts from 10 years ago? Now we're discussing global energy security. What progress! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the energy focus, I wish our ministers would also push harder on the visa issue. Many talented Indians contribute significantly to US economy - they deserve fair treatment.

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