Piyush Goyal Urges US Companies to Expand Investment and Business in India

Goyal met representatives from Blackstone, Neuberger Berman, Estée Lauder Companies, IBM, MetLife, General Atlantic and AIA Group, the Commerce Ministry said.

During his meeting with Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Grey and Prakash Melwani, chairman of the firm's international private equity business, Goyal discussed opportunities to increase the company's investments and partnerships across key sectors in India.

He also met Neuberger Berman Chairman and CEO George Walker and members of the firm's leadership team to explore opportunities for stronger investment cooperation and greater engagement in financial and wealth management services.

Goyal's discussions with Estée Lauder Companies President and CEO Stéphane de Faverie focused on the company's growth prospects in India, including opportunities to increase manufacturing and sourcing as well as tap into the country's expanding beauty and personal care market.

With IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, the minister discussed strengthening the company's engagement in India and expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.

The meeting with MetLife President and CEO Michel A. Khalaf focused on the company's expansion plans in India and opportunities arising from the growth of the country's insurance and financial services sectors.

Goyal also met General Atlantic Chairman and CEO William E. Ford to discuss ways to deepen the investment firm's business engagement with India.

During his meeting with AIA Group Non-Executive Chairman Mark Tucker, Goyal discussed the company's operations in India and opportunities in insurance and financial services, including India's goal of achieving "Insurance for All by 2047".

The meetings covered potential investments across financial services, manufacturing, energy, technology and artificial intelligence, along with measures to further strengthen economic and commercial ties between India and the United States.