The United States has expressed strong interest in expanding investment engagement with India and helping Indian companies navigate its national security review process, a senior US Treasury official said on 31 August, describing New Delhi as 'an important partner' ahead of the G20 finance ministers' meetings in Asheville.

What the Treasury Official Said

Chris Pilkerton, Assistant Secretary for the US Treasury, said he welcomed direct discussions with Indian officials and businesses about potential investment opportunities in the United States. 'I welcome the opportunity to meet with Indian officials, Indian companies, and see if there's ways to work together through the CFIUS process,' Pilkerton said.

He described the bilateral relationship as 'a wonderful relationship' and indicated Washington was actively looking to deepen it through structured investment cooperation.

How the CFIUS Process Works

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews certain foreign investments to assess their potential impact on US national security. Pilkerton clarified that the committee evaluates each transaction on its own merits, not on the basis of the investor's country of origin.

'The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States is agnostic as to where the actual capital is coming from,' he said. 'We make an assessment on the national security level on a case by case basis.'

Notably, Pilkerton said nearly 90 per cent of transactions reviewed by CFIUS are cleared, with some approvals conditional on measures introduced to mitigate identified security risks. He added that approved foreign investments could deliver significant benefits to American communities through economic development, workforce expansion, and opportunities for local vendors.

America First — But Not America Alone

Asked about the Trump administration's approach to allies, Pilkerton drew a distinction between its 'America First' posture and outright unilateralism. 'That doesn't necessarily mean America alone,' he said, adding that Washington wanted to 'advance mutual initiatives' with a range of partner countries.

He declined to specify economic deliverables Washington expected from India at the Asheville meetings, but said economic growth was 'incredibly important across the board.'

Key Themes at Asheville G20 Finance Meetings

The Asheville discussions are expected to centre on global growth, trade imbalances, resilient supply chains, and investment flows. Technology and national security are also on the agenda, with US authorities examining developments in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, hypersonics, biotechnology, and the space economy.

Washington has signalled it wants to promote secure cooperation with partners while guarding against the potential dual use of sensitive technologies — a priority that aligns closely with the India-US technology partnership framework that has expanded significantly in recent years.

India-US Economic Ties: The Broader Context

India and the United States have steadily broadened their economic and strategic engagement, with bilateral discussions increasingly focused on critical and emerging technologies, secure supply chains, and high-technology sector collaboration. Pilkerton's remarks signal that investment facilitation — particularly through the CFIUS framework — is emerging as a new frontier in that relationship.

As the G20 finance meetings get underway in Asheville, all eyes will be on whether the goodwill expressed by senior officials translates into concrete investment commitments and streamlined processes for Indian companies seeking a foothold in the US market.