Applications invited from American CEOs for US India CEO Forum

The Obama administration has invited applications from top American corporate leaders who would like to become members of the US-India CEO Forum, a body constituted to boost economic relations between two nations.

Unlike the previous Bush administration, the Democratic government has opened up the selection process for this small group of American CEOs who are expected to play a key role in the US-India relationship once the forum is reconstituted.

The US-India CEO Forum was established in 2005 and it is expected to be reconstituted in time of the State visit of India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 24.

"It is anticipated that the first meeting will be held in late November in Washington, DC, in conjunction with senior level government exchanges," the US Department of Commerce said in a notification.

The Forum is expected to bring together leaders of the respective business communities of the US and India to discuss issues of mutual interest, ways to strengthen the economic and commercial ties between the two countries, and to communicate their joint recommendations to the two governments.

The Forum will have US and Indian co-chairs; the Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs, together with the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, plan to co-chair the Forum.

The Forum will include a Committee comprising private sector members. The Committee will be composed of two sections, each consisting of 10-12 members from the private sector representing the views and interests of the private sector business community in the two countries.

While each government will appoint the members to its respective section, the committee will provide recommendations to the two governments and their senior officials that reflect private sector views, needs, and concerns about the creation of an environment in which their respective private sectors can partner, thrive, and enhance bilateral commercial ties to expand trade and economic links between the US and India.

Evaluation of applications for membership in the US section by eligible individuals will also be based on their ability to offer a broad perspective and business experience to the discussions, and ability to address cross-cutting issues that affect the entire business community.