Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 8 INDIA July 18, 2025 Indian Team Arrives In US To Resume Negotiations For Trade Agreement A high-level team from India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry has arrived inWashington DC, to take forward crucial negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. This round of negotiations is expected to begin July 14, 2025, Monday morning (US time) and will con- tinue for four days, an official told ANI. Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Negotiator and Special Secre- tary of the Commerce Ministry, will join the scheduled discussions onWednesday. The advance team’s arrival ahead of the chief nego- tiator suggests a structured approach to the talks, with preliminary discussions likely focusing on agenda and procedural matters before senior officials engage in sub- stantive negotiations. India and US have to narrow differences in sectors like agriculture and automobiles and are looking for a win- win pact for the both sides. The Trump administration has deferred imposing additional tariffs on several countries including India till August 1, with the two sides now having additional time to negotiate a deal beyond the initial deadline of July 9. India and United States are keen to diversify their trade partnerships and strengthen economic cooperation. The United States is one of India’s largest trading partners. India continues to emerge as a key destination for American businesses looking to expand their global footprint. Last week, an official confirmed that the Indian team would travel to the US to commence carry forward the negotiations. India and United States have agreed to expand bilat- eral trade to reach USD 500 Billion by 2030, including through the conclusion of a Bilateral Trade Agreement. Representatives of India’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have held several rounds of talks to conclude a trade agreement. - ANI 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.” 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 Hyderabad-Origin Family Of Four Killed In Tragic Car Crash In Texas A family of four from Hyderabad, India, tragically lost their lives in a horrific head-on collision in Greene County, Texas, while returning home from a road trip. The victims—Sri Venkata Be- jugam (aka Sri Venkat), his wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and their children, Siddarth (5) and Mrida (3)—were pro- nounced dead at the scene after their SUV was struck by a truck reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road. The impact of the crash caused the SUV to catch fire, leaving the bodies severely charred and unrecogniz- able. Due to the condition of the remains, authorities are relying on dental records and DNA testing for formal identification. A partially burned school ID card found at the scene also aided investigators in confirming the victims. The family had been living in Sutton Fields, Aubrey, Texas, near Dallas, and was returning from a week-long visit to relatives in Atlanta. Just before the crash, they had dropped off Venkata’s parents in Atlanta, who had traveled with them as part of the trip. The accident oc- curred less than two hours from their home. Both Venkata and Tejaswini were employed as software engineers and had moved to the United States from the Suchitra/Trimulgherry area of Secunderabad three years ago. The tragedy has left their extended fam- ily and community in deep mourning. At their family’s home in Kompally, Hyderabad, silence and grief prevail, as relatives prepare for the final rites. Authorities are continuing investigations and are coordinating with the Indian Consulate to complete formalities for repatriation of the remains to India once DNA confirmation is completed. This incident follows a string of fatal accidents in Texas involving Indian-origin families in recent years, raising renewed concerns about road safety in the region. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:via X