American corporates keen on India opportunities

, Sep 29: Bullish on opportunities in India, top US corporates, including Boeing, IBM and BlackRock today expressed their keenness to strengthen engagements with the country during their meetings with Prime Minister

who promised a friendlier business environment.

They have expressed interest to participate in diverse initiatives including those related to smart cities. Modi, who is on a five-day visit to the United States, today met a galaxy of top American corporate honchos, including from Boeing, IBM, PepsiCo, BlackRock and Google.

Defence major Boeing's CEO James McNerney said that the company wants to accelerate its engagement with India. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, technology major IBM's CEO Virginia Rometty envinced interest to participate in the government's new initiatives related to smart cities and digital India. Reflecting optimism over opportunities in the country, world's largest asset manager Blackrock's CEO Laurence Flik conveyed to Modi that it would host a global investors meet in India next year.

After meeting Modi, India-origin Indra Nooyi, who is PepsiCo's chief, said, "he answers questions brilliantly and is very focused on improving India. So, we are thrilled to be working with him". Another India-origin CEO Ajay Banga, who is at the helm of Mastercard, said the Prime Minister was a good listener and that he believed that Modi can execute plans like the way he did in Gujarat.

Noting that he had an excellent meeting with Modi, GE chief Jeff Immelt said the India is a great country and place to invest. Hosting a breakfast for 11 CEOs, Modi said India is open-minded and want the change, which is "not one-sided". The Prime Minister also held meetings with six other top American corporate executives including KKR CEO Henry Kravis and Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

PTI