US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Sunday met Indian astronaut and IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, describing his journey as a strong example of the growing space cooperation between India and the United States.
Gor said Shukla's journey, from training at NASA to serving as the mission pilot of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, showcased the strength of the partnership between the two countries in space exploration.
Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station. He served as the Mission Pilot for Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, which was launched on June 25, 2025, and returned to Earth on July 15, 2025.
The meeting came as India and the US continue to expand cooperation across several strategic and technology-driven sectors, including space, artificial intelligence, trade and defence.
During his visit to Bengaluru on Sunday, Gor also underscored the broader economic collaboration between India and the US, emphasising the need to expand opportunities for American businesses in India.
Speaking on X after discussions with Amazon executives about the company's operations in India, Gor said, "American innovation is a powerful force around the world."
"Across South India, our partnership is driving innovation, expanding investment and strengthening critical supply chains," Gor wrote while commemorating 250 years of American independence.
The ambassador also highlighted the growing momentum in US-India cooperation in Karnataka, particularly in space technology, artificial intelligence and trade.
"Through initiatives like Pax Silica and TRUST, we are creating opportunities for American and Indian industry alike," he said after meeting Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Earlier this month, Gor revealed that Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the United States later in September to attend the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting and hold bilateral trade negotiations.
Addressing the 66th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Gor highlighted the close cooperation between India and the US in strengthening trade relations and said significant progress had been made in negotiations.
The US envoy said Goyal's upcoming visit would focus on advancing a trade relationship that is fair, reciprocal and mutually beneficial, as Washington hosts the G20 discussions.
The US envoy has also welcomed recent cooperation between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the co-production of Javelin All Up Round systems in India, describing it as a major step forward for the US-India defence partnership.
The developments reflect the expanding strategic relationship between India and the US, with cooperation increasingly covering space exploration, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, trade, critical supply chains and defence manufacturing.
