USISPF Leadership Summit to Focus on U.S.-India Partnership

The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) will host its ninth Leadership Summit on June 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C., bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, policymakers, academics, think tank experts, and members of the media to discuss key issues and opportunities shaping the next phase of U.S.-India cooperation.

“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary as a democracy this fourth of July, our Summit will be themed America@250 to celebrate the enduring bonds between the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” USISPF said in a statement.

According to the organization, the U.S.-India relationship has been described as one of the most significant strategic partnerships of the 21st century. Washington and New Delhi continue to expand cooperation in areas including emerging technologies, bilateral trade, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, and energy.

Special guests at the summit will include U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, and Canadian Ambassador to the United States Mark D. Wiseman.

The event will feature a fireside chat with Jacob Helberg, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, and a special address by Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17). USISPF Board members will also participate in a closed-door discussion with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, focusing on ongoing trade negotiations and recent developments as the United States and India work toward finalizing an interim trade agreement.

USISPF will present its 2026 Leadership Awards to three business leaders whom the organization said have strengthened economic ties and expanded collaboration among the United States, India, and Canada. The recipients are Christopher Calio, USISPF Board Member and President and Global CEO of RTX Corporation; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises; and Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings.

The organization will also present its Distinguished Public Service Award to Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Senator Mark Warner of Virginia in recognition of their longstanding contributions to advancing the U.S.-India strategic and economic partnership.

A highlight of the summit will be the release of USISPF’s second commemorative coffee table book, We the People: A Tribute to the 250 Voices that Shaped the U.S.-India Partnership. The publication honors leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries whose contributions have strengthened ties between the two countries over the decades.

USISPF Chairman and Founding Board Member John Chambers said: “As the United States celebrates 250 years of democracy, it’s a powerful reminder that our greatest opportunities come when democracies work together. The U.S.-India relationship is one that continues to grow stronger, delivering real results for both countries as well as the global economy.”

Chambers added: “As USISPF approaches its 10th anniversary, our mission has remained consistent: turning strategic intent into measurable, mutually beneficial outcomes for the U.S. and India. We have seen firsthand that the strength of this partnership comes not only from institutions, but from the leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who invest their time, expertise, and ambition to move it forward. Together, we are building a relationship that will be even more important for generations to come.”

“As we approach July 2026, a milestone year for the world’s oldest democracy – celebrating 250 years as a Republic, it is a moment in time to reflect what truly makes America…. America. It is the ideals, sacrifices, and aspirations of the many amazing people that have built this one great nation,” said Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF. “The U.S.-India partnership remains one of the defining relationships of our era, underpinned by shared democratic values, growing economic integration, and a common commitment to innovation and prosperity.

“As America celebrates 250 years of nationhood, our three honorees, Distinguished Public Service Awardees and officials from both governments and business leaders, truly epitomize the indefatigable spirit of working to enhance this partnership from every aspect. We are truly honored to be able to convene such a collective force in government, business, and across civil society with the same goal,” added Aghi.

USISPF said the summit will also welcome board members representing Fortune 500 companies. 

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