Exploring New Avenues of Partnership
The United States and India have immense potential to forge diverse partnerships in areas such as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and green energy, according to Mike Hankey, the Consul General of the United States in Mumbai. Speaking during his recent visit to Goa, Hankey highlighted the growing need for cooperation between the two countries to develop resilient supply chains and advanced technologies. He emphasized that the global reliance on China for lithium-ion batteries—key components in EV production—poses significant risks to supply chain resilience, urging stakeholders to diversify their sources.
Hankey’s visit included meetings with industry experts organized under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) initiative. He expressed admiration for the innovative strides made by Indian firms in electronics and green power sectors, noting their potential to collaborate with American counterparts. “These industries are not only driving clean energy transitions but are also paving the way for cutting-edge solutions,” he remarked. US-India Partnership is crucial in fostering these advancements and ensuring sustainable growth.
Strengthening Business and Research Ties
A major theme of Hankey’s discussions in Goa revolved around fostering collaboration between academic researchers and businesses in both countries. He noted that this synergy is crucial for addressing technological and supply chain challenges. Using EV technology as an example, he explained how current reliance on lithium-ion batteries underscores the importance of diversifying both research and supply channels.
The US-India Partnership has been strengthened through collaborations between national laboratories under the Department of Energy and Indian institutions. According to Hankey, these efforts aim to bridge gaps in technology development and foster innovation. “Businesses can inform researchers about future technological needs, and researchers can work on solutions that ensure a robust supply chain beyond a single supplier,” he stated.
Opportunities in Western India
Mike Hankey also pointed out the opportunities available in western India, particularly in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicle industries. He noted that these industries could benefit significantly from collaborative efforts between India and the US in developing advanced EV technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
Reflecting on his visit to Goa, Hankey said he was impressed by the state’s potential and its openness to adopting global experiences. “In Goa, and across India, there’s a two-way flow of knowledge and expertise,” he observed. He reiterated the importance of building partnerships that leverage the diversity of both nations, calling it a strength that allows for the creation of unique collaborations.
Mike Hankey concluded by expressing optimism about the future of US-India partnerships. “Our countries’ diversity allows us to form many different types of partnerships, making our collaboration both unique and transformative,” he said.