New Delhi: The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) hosted the New Delhi launch of the second edition of its coffee table book, “We The People – 250 Voices: A Tribute to the 250 Voices that Shaped the U.S.–India Relationship,” celebrating 250 distinguished individuals—both living and deceased—who have played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between India and the United States.
The New Delhi event followed the book’s inaugural launch in Washington, D.C., on June 29, where the second edition was unveiled during the USISPF IX Leadership Summit, themed “America@250,” commemorating 250 years of American independence.
The launch was attended by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena, U.S. Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Ambassador Sergio Gor, all of whom have been featured in the book for their contributions to advancing India-U.S. relations. They were recognised as key bridge-builders and architects of the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
The private dinner brought together USISPF Board members, advisors, representatives of the Government of India, officials from the U.S. Embassy, and diplomats representing the embassies of Israel, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
A major highlight of the evening was a keynote fireside conversation titled “Next Chapter of the Global Partnership,” featuring Dr. S. Jaishankar in discussion with USISPF President and CEO Dr. Mukesh Aghi. During the event, Jaishankar, Ambassador Sergio Gor, and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. strategic partnership, emphasizing expanding cooperation in trade, technology, defence, critical supply chains, and people-to-people exchanges.
USISPF also honoured several distinguished personalities featured in the book, including former Indian ambassadors Shyam Saran, Arun K. Singh, and Navtej Sarna. Senior policymakers and bureaucrats Amitabh Kant, Vidur Mohan, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia reflected on the evolution of India-U.S. relations, sharing their experiences in shaping the strategic partnership and expressing optimism about its future trajectory.
The book also recognises cultural ambassadors who have strengthened bilateral ties through soft power, including renowned American Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen. The evening concluded with a captivating Odissi dance performance by Ms. Lowen’s disciples, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in deepening the India-U.S. partnership.