Top US official to skip biz talks over logistical issues

NEW DELHI: US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will participate in the Indo-US commercial dialogue Thursday through video conferencing as his flight got cancelled, the Commerce Ministry said Wednesday.

“US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster will lead the discussions for the India US CEO Forum and commercial dialogue,” it said in a statement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu was scheduled to hold these meetings with his US counterpart Ross here.

A US Department of Commerce spokesperson in a statement said, “Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight, and other logistical issues, Secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person. “He intends to participate in most of the sessions remotely and thanks our private sector and Government of India hosts for their continued partnership as we further strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

The statement said that due to cancellation of flight, the US commerce secretary will not attend the meetings. Representatives of the US and Indian governments will share outcomes of the 2018 commercial dialogue work plan.