International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #2 | Page 45

community uniquely positioning itself to help Americans who are interested in doing business in India ?
The Honorable Anupam Ray : It is question of unique positioning . We are a very dynamic economy . American investments to India and Indian investments to the United States are growing very fast . I spend almost as much time looking at Indian investments in the United States . I hosted an event at my residence where Houston Mayor Turner met with Indian companies doing business in Houston . We have a substantial Indian presence here . Indian companies are generating jobs and investing in the Houston community and these are not just companies owned by Indians living here , but also companies with Indian shareholders back in India .
Today we look at the United States as a source of investment and vice versa .
Both countries are markets . We look at intellectual property in the United States and we are generating intellectual property too . There is a two-way economic relationship .
Katia : Is there anything we have not talked about that you would like to discuss ?
The Honorable Anupam Ray : What I have been truly struck by is how well disposed people here are towards India , how conscious they are of the opportunities that India presents , and how conscious they are of the fact that India is one of the partners of the United States in this century . For instance , Governor Abbott , Senator Cruz , Mayor Turner , Judge Emmett have either expressed interest in going to India or have been well-disposed towards India .
Indian businessmen find the U . S . a very good place to do business in and there is a lot of cooperation taking place in a variety of areas . Many non-traditional aspects of cooperation is going to take place between Houston , Texas , and India . The Indian diaspora here is the pride of India . They are an extremely successful , law-abiding , highly educated community and they are as proud of being American as they are proud of being Indian . That is a unique feature in my work as an Indian diplomat . The Indian community has been a force for good in the bilateral relationship . The political and business leadership that I interact with understands and accepts India as a partner and understands and accepts that the best days are yet to come and that it will be a great power . I think it is unique , refreshing , and encouraging that the United States sees India as a good partner . There is no distrust or fear of India in the United States and vice versa and I think this is truly extraordinary .
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