In ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on the first ever joint radio address by an Indian Prime Minister and an American President, President Obama said India and United States have much in common, “We are two great democracies, two innovative economies, two diverse societies, dedicated to empowering individuals.” This was a visit that went beyond economic ties and had a deep personal touch. President Obama mentioned that both he and Prime Minister Modi, despite their humble beginnings, were allowed the rare opportunity to lead their countries.

From the personal to the political, this meet between the two nations was marked with ‘hope’ and ‘commitment’. The two leaders pledged to translate their commitment of “Chalein Saath Saath” (Forward Together We Go) of September into action through “Sanjha Prayaas; Sab Ka Vikaas” (Shared Effort; Progress For All). In a Joint Statement the two leaders announced a new India-U.S. Delhi Declaration of Friendship which captures in spirit and in tangible terms the depth and breadth of US-India cooperation and commits to “ongoing efforts to advance mutual prosperity, a clean and healthy environment, greater economic cooperation, regional peace, security and stability for the larger benefit of humankind.”

Prime Minister Modi’s statement, at the US India CEO Forum, that he is willing to accept the suggestions of the high-level joint working group on IPR, is a most encouraging development. It leads us to believe that we will now be able to reach mutually beneficial regulatory decisions and move into an era of amicable resolution of issues. The Obama visit has reaffirmed the importance of a transparent and predictable policy environment in fostering innovation.  We are confident that the pharmaceutical industry will be one of the sectors where more positive moves will translate into  stronger investment inflows, technology transfer, more ‘Make in India’ collaborations and partnerships that can successfully address India’s health challenges.Nike