India and U.S Migration Helped by a Strong Economic Relationship

“The U.S. Consulate in Chennai issues more visas for skilled workers than any other U.S. diplomatic post in the world.”
David McCormick, the U.S Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs has said that cultural ties between the U.S and India are very strong. He states that at present there are “Nearly three million Americans of Indian descent and 80,000 Indian students in the United States.

The relationship between India and the U.S is one which has been strengthening and growing over recent years. It has seen the United States establish itself as India’s largest trading partner as well as witnessing growing relations regarding global commodities, goods and services.

McCormick notes that “India has emerged as a strong and confident player in the global economy… and an attractive destination for global investment capital. The deepening U.S. to India partnership is the by-product of a range of dialogues and growing friendships inside and outside government.”

Trade numbers for India to the U.S incredibly reached over $50 billion in 2007. With an average growth of nearly seven percent within the past decade India has been able to raise its Gross Domestic Product per capita.
The deepening relationship between the two countries has enabled them both to co-operate on a wide range of subjects. Most notably is the civil nuclear agreement. McCormick has highlighted five key issues which he is hoping to implement with India’s help. These initiatives include promoting infrastructure investment, financial sector liberalization, supporting a bilateral investment framework, investing in clean technology, and supporting multi-lateral trade. He hopes that “they will enable us to protect the environment and they will enable us to promote global economic stability.”

With improved relations both countries have recognised the importance of developing strong educational links in order to further the economic ties. India is already the number one country in the world for sending students to the United States for higher education. Whilst the U.S is actively working on fulfilling their role by facilitating educational exchanges with India as well as other countries.

Karen Hughes, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs, recently told a conference of American and Indian business leaders that the U.S “Wants to open doors for American young people to travel to India to study and learn.”
At present the number of U.S. student exchange visas issued has reached in excess of five-hundred-ninety-thousand. Student visas to the U.S. are also thought to be up both in India and worldwide.