The United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Monday warned that India’s economy, the sixth largest in the world, could falter due to a surge in coronavirus cases that could slow the global economy.
Myron Brilliant, USCC executive vice president, said the risks from a pandemic crisis in India were high as many U.S. companies employ millions of Indian workers to run their office operations.
The USCC and CEOs of 40 companies on Monday launched a public-private task force to provide much-needed medical supplies, oxygen and other assistance, as well as launched a new portal where U.S. firms can contribute in various forms to India.
The collaboration also includes the US-India Business Council, the Business Roundtable and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.
USCC officials and the CEO met with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and White House adviser Kurt Campbell on Monday to discuss the seriousness of the economic and humanitarian crisis facing India.
India is now the center of a global epidemic, with infections rising by 352,2991 in the last 24 hours resulting in overcrowding in hospitals and depletion of oxygen supplies as well as beds.
U.S. trade in goods and services with India totaled $ 146.1 billion in 2019, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. India is the ninth largest U.S. trading partner, with bilateral trade of around $ 92 billion in 2019.
