The US White House is sending some of its top officials, including President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to address an India-centric business conference in Washington this week.
The move comes close on the heels of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump in Japan last month.
The second annual Leadership Summit of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) will also feature House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the most powerful Democratic leader, undoubtedly signalling the importance of India-US ties.
The White House is also sending two of its Cabinet ministers, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Headquartered in Washington DC, with branches in several US cities and in India, USISPF has emerged as the top India-centric advocacy group in the United States for both the corporate sector and strategic community.
The day long, July 11 conference will focus on two broad areas, defense and energy security, which are critical to both countries.
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish, and India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh V Shringla, are among the other top speakers attending the summit.
Jared Kushner, who is also senior advisor to the US president, will present the 2019 Global Excellence Awards to Mastercard CEO and president, Ajay Banga, and Wipro Chairman, Azim Premji, in recognition of their significant contributions to strengthening economic ties between the US and India.