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US Under-Secretary Hooker Embarks on Five-Day India Mission to Accelerate CECA Negotiations

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 10:40 GMT by Zee Business

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US Under‑Secretary Hooker Embarks on Five‑Day India Mission to Accelerate Trade Talks and Deepen Economic Ties

In the midst of a surge in bilateral trade negotiations, the United States has sent one of its senior economic diplomats, Under‑Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs David M. Hooker, on a high‑profile five‑day visit to India. The mission—launched on June 7—aims to reinforce the growing partnership between the two economies and bring the long‑standing Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations closer to fruition.

Why the Timing Matters

India’s economy is on a growth trajectory that has caught the eye of Washington. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S.–India bilateral trade reached a record $212 billion in 2023, and the U.S. Department of Commerce projects the volume could surpass $300 billion by 2025 if current trends persist. At the same time, Washington’s “Buy American” agenda and the Biden administration’s focus on supply‑chain resilience have prompted a renewed interest in forging stronger trade links with a country that has long been a strategic counterbalance to China.

The CECA, a flagship U.S. trade agreement that has been under negotiation for more than a decade, is the cornerstone of this renewed partnership. The agreement would cover goods, services, investment, and intellectual property, and it has the potential to unlock over $500 billion in new trade and investment opportunities. In a recent briefing, Hooker noted that “the CECA negotiations have reached a critical stage; we are now in the final phase of ironing out the details that will ensure a mutually beneficial outcome for both nations.”

Key Meetings and Topics

During the visit, Hooker met with a broad array of Indian officials and industry leaders. The itinerary included:

Throughout these meetings, Hooker emphasized the importance of “creating an environment that encourages both U.S. and Indian companies to invest, innovate, and thrive together.” He also underlined the critical role of supply‑chain diversification, noting that “a resilient supply chain is not just about goods; it’s about knowledge, technology, and shared standards.”

Progress on Trade Agreements

The most tangible outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between U.S. and Indian commerce officials. The MoU commits both sides to:

1. Expedite the CECA signing by finalizing outstanding legal and technical provisions.
2. Promote data‑sharing agreements to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade friction.
3. Launch a joint task force focused on the critical‑minerals supply chain, with a particular emphasis on rare earth elements used in defense and high‑tech sectors.

In addition to the MoU, Hooker and Indian counterparts reached informal consensus on a set of “non‑binding commitments” to support each other’s climate goals. These include collaborative research on carbon‑neutral manufacturing processes and shared investment in green‑energy infrastructure.

Broader Context: What the Links Show

While the headline article highlighted Hooker’s itinerary, the linked sections provide additional layers of context:

• India’s Manufacturing Push: A detailed report on India’s “Make in India” initiative shows that the country aims to attract $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2025, largely in electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The U.S. is keen to tap into this surge by promoting joint manufacturing ventures.

• The Critical Minerals Conversation: A briefing on critical‑minerals supply chains reveals that India ranks third in global rare‑earth production, following China and Australia. The U.S. seeks to diversify its supply base and is negotiating terms to secure access to India’s reserves.

• Digital Economy Collaboration: An analysis of India’s digital‑infrastructure growth indicates a 30 % year‑over‑year increase in internet penetration. U.S. firms are looking to partner with Indian technology firms to expand cloud computing services across South Asia.

These links underscore the multi‑pronged nature of the U.S.–India economic partnership: trade liberalization, supply‑chain resilience, and technology co‑development.

Looking Ahead

Hooker concluded his visit with a clear message: “We are at a turning point. The U.S. and India have an extraordinary opportunity to build a partnership that sets new standards for free trade, technological innovation, and sustainable development.” As the CECA negotiations enter the final stages, the momentum generated by Hooker’s visit is expected to translate into concrete policy decisions and increased bilateral investment flows.

With the CECA on the horizon, India will not only secure a crucial economic partner in the United States but also a strategic ally that can help navigate the complex geopolitics of the Indo‑Pacific. For Washington, the partnership offers a vital counterweight to China’s growing influence and a platform to promote a rules‑based, open‑economy order. The five‑day mission, therefore, marks a pivotal moment in a partnership that could reshape the economic landscape of the 21st century.