Pompeo pushes India for access to local markets, says US 'open' to discuss trade issues

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has pushed for India to further open its economy and also "diversify" its energy portfolio, saying countries that have provided American companies access to their local markets have seen "real opportunity".

Speaking at the India Ideas Summit of US-India Business Council here Wednesday, ahead of his visit to New Delhi later this month, he also said America is "open" to dialogue on trade issues. He added countries that have allowed US firms to have a "fair and reciprocal trade", have seen America open up to them. "And I think they've seen real opportunity."
"We'll also push for free flow of data across borders, not just to help American companies, but to protect data and secure consumers' privacy," he said. "And speaking of privacy, we are eager to help India establish secure communications networks including 5G."