Desi talk

6 NATIONAL AFFAIRS July 25, 2025 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Trump Says India Trade Agreement Is Close, Europe Deal Possible T he United States is very close to a trade deal with India, while an agreement could possibly be reached with Eu- rope as well, but it is too soon to say whether a deal can be agreed with Canada, President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Real America’s Voice onWednesday, July 16. To press for what Trump views as better terms with trading partners and ways to shrink a huge U.S. trade deficit, his administration has been negotiating trade deals ahead of an August 1 deadline, when duties on most U.S. imports are due to rise again. “We’re very close to India, and …we could possibly make a deal with (the) EU,” Trump said, when asked which trade deals were on the horizon. Trump’s comments come as EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic was headed toWashington onWednes- day for tariff discussions, while an Indian trade delegation arrived in Washington on Monday for fresh talks. “(The) European Union has been brutal, and now they’re being very nice. They want to make a deal, and it’ll be a lot different than the deal that we’ve had for years,” he added. Asked about the prospects of a deal with Canada, which like the EU, is readying countermeasures if talks with the U.S. fail to produce a deal, Trump said: “Too soon to say.” His comment was in line with the assessment of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said earlier onWednesday that a deal that works for Canadian workers was not yet on the table. Trump also said he would prob- ably put a blanket 10% or 15% tariff on smaller countries. - Reuters By JasperWard and Ismail Shakil Photo:REUTERS/AmitDave/File Photo A mobile crane carries a container at Deendayal Port in Kandla, in the western state of Gujarat, India, April 5, 2025. Kumar Mangalam Birla Joins US India Strategic Partnership Forum T he U.S.-India Strategic Partner- ship Forum (USISPF), a non- profit, non-governmental, and non-partisan organization, announced July 11, the appointment of Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, to the USISPF Board of Directors, as a Member of the Board’s Executive Committee. Aditya Birla Group is the largest Indian greenfield investor in the United States, with investments exceeding $15 billion and operations spanning 15 states across metals, carbon black, and chemicals, noted a press release from USISPF. “It is an honor to join the USISPF Exec- utive Committee. In a short span, USISPF has become a strong force in shaping and strengthening the strategic and economic ties between the United States and India. Its work in fostering dialogue, collabora- tion, and trust between the two nations has made a meaningful difference,” Kumar Mangalam Birla is quoted saying in the press release. “We are very proud to be the largest Indian investor in the United States and are committed to expanding our investments in the country. The U.S.- India partnership is among the most con- sequential partnerships in the world, and I have long believed that when our two nations come together with purpose and clarity, they can shape the arc of global commerce and innovation for the better. I look forward to working with USISPF to continue our collective efforts in building an even stronger alliance.” Birla recently received the Global Leadership Award at the 2025 USISPF Leadership Summit inWashington, D.C., in recognition for his business leadership and commitment to strengthen the U.S.- India economic partnership. John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF and Founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures said “What stood out to me at USISPF’s recent Leadership Summit was the team’s commitment to continuous innovation by adding to its roster of stellar minds, business leaders, and visionaries. I was honored to present the 2025 Global Lead- ership Award to Mr. Birla, who is a leading figure of the Indian business community. Mr. Birla joining the Executive Committee will help steer USISPF to new horizons and uncharted paths, as we continue to grow and define this accelerated partner- ship.” “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Birla to the USISPF Executive Committee and Board of Directors. His visionary leader- ship and transformative impact on global business make him an invaluable addi- tion to our efforts in strengthening the U.S.-India partnership. His commitment to fostering mutual prosperity through investments, innovation, and commu- nity development aligns perfectly with USISPF’s mission. As a leader who exem- plifies integrity and excellence, Mr. Birla will undoubtedly help us chart new paths in advancing the strategic and economic ties between our two nations” said Shan- tanu Narayen, Chair and CEO, Adobe and Vice Chair, USISPF Executive Committee. “I’m pleased to welcome Mr. Birla to the USISPF Executive Committee,” said Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and Vice Chair, USISPF Executive Committee. “His ex- ceptional leadership, global vision, and entrepreneurial drive will strengthen the Board and our mission, and we look for- ward to collaborating with him to expand economic opportunities for businesses and communities in the United States and India.” “We are proud and honored to wel- come Mr. Birla to the USISPF Executive Committee and Board of Directors. A household name in India, Mr. Birla is one of the country’s most distinguished busi- ness leaders. The Aditya Birla Group has a rich legacy of nation-building and has made significant contributions to India’s economic growth.” said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO, USISPF. “What distinguishes Mr. Birla is his belief in the Gandhian principle of trusteeship and giving back to society. The Aditya Birla Group touches millions of lives annually through its community welfare and devel- opment initiatives, exemplifying a deep and enduring commitment to inclusive growth. As the largest Indian Investor in the United States, we look forward to working with Mr. Birla to shape the next chapter of the U.S.-India strategic part- nership.” Under Birla’s nearly three-decade leadership, the Aditya Birla Group – India’s third largest conglomerate – has grown into a $66 billion multinational with op- erations in over 40 countries and a market capitalization exceeding $100 billion. The Group holds leading positions across all major sectors in which it operates, includ- ing cement, chemicals, metals, textiles, fashion and financial services. Its growth is underpinned by a meritocratic culture and a global workforce of 180,000 employ- ees. Birla has also spearheaded over 60 acquisitions in India and abroad, among the highest by any Indian multinational. The Aditya Birla Group’s U.S. subsid- iary, Novelis, is the world’s largest alumi- num recycling company and is seen as playing a critical role in revitalizing and advancing the U.S. manufacturing sec- tor. Among the Group’s most ambitious projects is a $4.1 billion investment in Bay Minette, Alabama, which will establish the first fully integrated aluminum rolling and recycling plant in the U.S. in four decades and represents the largest industrial in- vestment in Alabama’s history. PHOTO:USISPF.ORG Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, speaking at the USISPF Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. From Press Release