BY DEVIKA C.MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA - Over the past years, under the strong influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, the Indo-US relationship have grown leaps and bounds, and with people like Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), chances of a predominant leadership...
LOS ANGELES, CA - Over the past years, under the strong influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, the Indo-US relationship have grown leaps and bounds, and with people like Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), chances of a predominant leadership...
and interactive growth are surely on the cards. Aghi, who holds several degrees in the field of international relations, marketing and business administration and have also served as President of the US-India Business Council, feels that the need of the hour is to strategically embrace business, trade, and governance, in order to benefit both ‘promising’ countries.
Recognizing his achievements, the South Asian Studies Association (SASA) will grant the first-ever 2018 Exemplar Award for Business Leadership to Aghi at the SASA 2018 Conference at Claremont McKenna College, during the weekend of March 23-25. In addition to receiving the Exemplar Award, Aghi will also engage in an on-stage fireside chat with Ken Silverman, SASA Chairman & CEO.
Making the announcement, Silverman underlined, “For the critical past half-decade, there is likely no individual on earth who has been more in the exact middle of the crossroads between U.S. and Indian cross-border business, trade, and investment than Mukesh Aghi. His work, and that of the organizations that he has led, have helped enormously to lift and grow the economic interests of business enterprises and government trade bodies in both countries.”
Acknowledging the recognition, a delighted Aghi, in an outspoken interview with IJ, thanked SASA for the great honor and expressed his gratitude- “I have been aware of SASA and its excellent work in academia for quite some time. As their focus broadens, I am delighted to accept their first-ever Exemplar Award for Business Leadership. Such an award gives me more incentive to drive in the right direction.” Moving further, Aghi discussed the potential of the US and Indian governments and talked about various initiatives, looming fears and ways to develop Indo-US trade ties. On being asked about the Modi-Trump era, he confidently added, “I am positive about the deepening ties; both leaders have distinctive individual personalities, yet are driven by growth, economy and country-first attitude.”
But, if there will be some clashes due to individualistic opinions of both leaders as Modi is a thorough politician and Trump a businessman at heart, he pointed, “There are disagreements even in families, but with a level of maturity, it can be managed.”
During his tenure, he also agreed to work together on a module that brings together ‘Make in India’ and ‘America First’ attitude and stated, “Basically they are complementary in nature.” He then gave the example of Modi’s decision to make fighter planes in India, of course, with some help from the US, “as some of the components will be made here thus initiating a new level of global demand- supply change,” he added.
Moving to the next topic- ‘the changing equations and dilemma between India-America-China’, Aghi politely declined any competition between ‘Made in China’ and ‘Make in India’ as far as the US is concerned, but agreed with Trump’s replacement of ‘Indo-Pacific’ term with ‘Asia-Pacific’. “Trump is recognizing India as an Asian power, as a regional power, which is absolutely right.” In times of recent crisis, Aghi also spoke at length about several topics like H1B Visa row, The Dreamers issue and very recent reciprocal tax that has been creating a ‘shadow of fear’ among the Indian and NRI population. He noted, “The challenges are hard and there have been shifts, but Trump is just trying to create a compliance environment.” Detailing on how the H1B Visas have been severely abused by some people, he pointed that nothing wrong will happen to the right people. “We all know how Visas have been exploited and abused, similar is the case on other platforms and he is just trying to correct a situation.” Understanding his crucial role, Aghi concluded, “I know that as President of a leading bilateral trade organization which additionally focuses on promoting job creation, inclusion, startups, innovation, and education, the best can be achieved only by bringing business and government together to create meaningful opportunities that have the power to positively change the lives of citizens in both countries. My organization fosters dialog and exchange between both countries’ business and government leaders thus creating several opportunities for all.”
Recognizing his achievements, the South Asian Studies Association (SASA) will grant the first-ever 2018 Exemplar Award for Business Leadership to Aghi at the SASA 2018 Conference at Claremont McKenna College, during the weekend of March 23-25. In addition to receiving the Exemplar Award, Aghi will also engage in an on-stage fireside chat with Ken Silverman, SASA Chairman & CEO.
Making the announcement, Silverman underlined, “For the critical past half-decade, there is likely no individual on earth who has been more in the exact middle of the crossroads between U.S. and Indian cross-border business, trade, and investment than Mukesh Aghi. His work, and that of the organizations that he has led, have helped enormously to lift and grow the economic interests of business enterprises and government trade bodies in both countries.”
Acknowledging the recognition, a delighted Aghi, in an outspoken interview with IJ, thanked SASA for the great honor and expressed his gratitude- “I have been aware of SASA and its excellent work in academia for quite some time. As their focus broadens, I am delighted to accept their first-ever Exemplar Award for Business Leadership. Such an award gives me more incentive to drive in the right direction.” Moving further, Aghi discussed the potential of the US and Indian governments and talked about various initiatives, looming fears and ways to develop Indo-US trade ties. On being asked about the Modi-Trump era, he confidently added, “I am positive about the deepening ties; both leaders have distinctive individual personalities, yet are driven by growth, economy and country-first attitude.”
But, if there will be some clashes due to individualistic opinions of both leaders as Modi is a thorough politician and Trump a businessman at heart, he pointed, “There are disagreements even in families, but with a level of maturity, it can be managed.”
During his tenure, he also agreed to work together on a module that brings together ‘Make in India’ and ‘America First’ attitude and stated, “Basically they are complementary in nature.” He then gave the example of Modi’s decision to make fighter planes in India, of course, with some help from the US, “as some of the components will be made here thus initiating a new level of global demand- supply change,” he added.
Moving to the next topic- ‘the changing equations and dilemma between India-America-China’, Aghi politely declined any competition between ‘Made in China’ and ‘Make in India’ as far as the US is concerned, but agreed with Trump’s replacement of ‘Indo-Pacific’ term with ‘Asia-Pacific’. “Trump is recognizing India as an Asian power, as a regional power, which is absolutely right.” In times of recent crisis, Aghi also spoke at length about several topics like H1B Visa row, The Dreamers issue and very recent reciprocal tax that has been creating a ‘shadow of fear’ among the Indian and NRI population. He noted, “The challenges are hard and there have been shifts, but Trump is just trying to create a compliance environment.” Detailing on how the H1B Visas have been severely abused by some people, he pointed that nothing wrong will happen to the right people. “We all know how Visas have been exploited and abused, similar is the case on other platforms and he is just trying to correct a situation.” Understanding his crucial role, Aghi concluded, “I know that as President of a leading bilateral trade organization which additionally focuses on promoting job creation, inclusion, startups, innovation, and education, the best can be achieved only by bringing business and government together to create meaningful opportunities that have the power to positively change the lives of citizens in both countries. My organization fosters dialog and exchange between both countries’ business and government leaders thus creating several opportunities for all.”
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