Speaking to CNBC-TV18, amid heightened trade negotiations between the two countries, Keshap noted that global investors, including major US companies, are looking for policy clarity and efficient regulatory processes.
“What we try to do is offer insights into how to smooth that out in terms of ease of doing business, speed of doing business, bureaucratic decision-making on key issues, and also regulatory and tax policies,” he said.One key concern, he pointed out, is the tax disparity faced by international banks operating in India.
“International banks are taxed at a higher rate than Indian banks. That precludes a lot of them from expanding more in India in ways that would flow more FDI into India,” Keshap said, while acknowledging that the Indian government has made efforts to lower those rates.
With the Trump administration pushing for bilateral trade pacts, Keshap voiced hope for an “early harvest” deal between the US and India within the next 60 to 90 days. He said such a deal should focus on critical sectors, including semiconductors, critical minerals, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, AI, energy, and nuclear technology.
Keshap also flagged the upcoming Quad Summit, which is expected to be hosted by India later this year, as a strategic window to announce progress on trade.
“I would very much hope that a trade deal between the United States and India is finalised before the Quad Summit. That would send an enormous message of confidence to the entire world,” he said.
He stressed that a full-fledged trade agreement would give businesses a strong incentive to invest in both countries, especially at a time when geopolitical uncertainties and economic headwinds are weighing on investor sentiment.
Despite the economic uncertainty triggered by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and a shaky US economic outlook, Keshap said India stands out globally as a stable and attractive partner.
“India is looked at, I think, widely around the world as one of the most stable polities right now,” he said.
For companies making long-term investment decisions, predictability remains a top priority. “Business craves predictability,” Keshap explained. “If you’re going to make a 10- or 20-year bet, it impacts your job, your share price, the well-being of your shareholders, your company, your workers, and everybody else.”
Keshap said USIBC will continue to engage both governments independently and constructively. He reaffirmed that the council does not take any government funding to preserve its ability to freely represent business perspectives.
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