Piyush Goyal pitches India to US manufacturers, seeks deeper SME partnerships and joint investments
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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged US manufacturers to expand their presence in India, partner with domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and explore joint investments in advanced manufacturing, as New Delhi and Washington seek to deepen economic ties. Goyal made the pitch while addressing a business roundtable convened by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in Milwaukee.
The roundtable brought together representatives of small and large US manufacturers and formed part of Goyal’s ongoing US visit for the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting.
"Addressed a Business Roundtable convened by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), bringing together representatives of small & large manufacturers from across the US. Highlighted the strong momentum in India-US economic ties, along with India's expanding industrial base & skilled workforce," Goyal stated on X.
Focus on resilient supply chains
Goyal said American manufacturers should look beyond conventional market access and explore deeper industrial partnerships with Indian companies.
“Invited American manufacturers to explore opportunities to deepen their presence in India,” Goyal said, while also calling for partnerships with Indian SMEs.
He further advocated co-investment in advanced manufacturing, saying such collaboration could help build “resilient supply chains” while creating value for both economies. The comments come at a time when companies globally are seeking to diversify sourcing and manufacturing networks amid continuing trade and supply-chain uncertainties.
Trade pact remains key agenda
Goyal’s outreach to US manufacturers comes alongside efforts to advance the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The minister is scheduled to hold discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his US visit, with the two sides working towards an interim agreement based on the February 7, 2026 joint statement.
Goyal had earlier described the pact as “almost done and dusted”, but said its execution would depend on India securing an appropriate competitive advantage over rival exporters in the US market.
“We have to find the right comparable competitive advantage,” he had said, adding that this would enable the agreement to be executed quickly.
India seeks greater US investment
During the Milwaukee engagement, Goyal also underlined India’s manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce while inviting American businesses to deepen their investment and partnership footprint.
The minister is also scheduled to meet senior executives from US companies across manufacturing, consumer goods, agribusiness, retail and technology during his visit. The government has said the broader engagement will focus on expanding opportunities for Indian farmers, women entrepreneurs, startups and MSMEs, alongside strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.