Press Releases 2009

First U.S. Solar Energy Trade Mission to India

March 23, 2009

New Delhi - The Obama Administration's first official trade mission to India arrived in New Delhi today on a three-city tour.  Fourteen American companies participating in the Solar Energy Trade Mission will visit New Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad on the mission sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, targeting U.S.-India trade in solar energy technologies. 

William Zarit, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Operations will lead the delegation that includes U.S. utility-scale solar, solar photovoltaic and solar project developers to meet with government and industry representatives in search of potential Indian business partners over the next three days.

Energy has become a focal point of commercial strength in the U.S.-India relationship.  In addition to broad nuclear energy business discussions, following on the signing of the historic civil nuclear agreement last year, a new emphasis on solar and renewable energy technologies is taking that relationship to new heights. 

Carmine D'Aloisio, Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, said "the impressive response to this opportunity by U.S. solar energy companies, particularly during an economic slowdown, proves the potential of the Indian market."