Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during an end-of-year gathering at the US State Department, as per an announcement on X (previously Twitter). Sandhu also had a meeting with Evan M Ryan, Blinken's spouse, at the event. In a tweet, Sandhu expressed his pleasure in meeting Secretary of State Blinken and Ryan at the year-end function.

Furthermore, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing innovation ecosystems through an "Innovation Handshake" between the United States and India. This agreement, signed in San Francisco on November 14, follows the June meeting between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi, where they welcomed efforts to establish the "Innovation Handshake" to connect the dynamic startup ecosystems of both countries.

The 5th India-US Commercial Dialogue, held on March 10 during the visit of US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, was marked by a strategic focus on supply chain resilience, climate and clean technology cooperation, and promoting post-pandemic economic recovery. A new Working Group on talent, innovation, and inclusive growth (TIIG) was launched during this dialogue.

The ambitious "Innovation Handshake" agenda, previewed during Prime Minister Modi's official State Visit in June, was officially launched by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Both leaders led an industry roundtable, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem and promoting cooperation in Critical and Emerging Technologies between the two nations. Raimondo highlighted the importance of this tech partnership, reinforcing the interconnected innovation ecosystem, while Goyal expressed the joint commitment to advancing the US-India commercial relationship.