Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, who is visiting India with a delegation of more than 30 professionals from higher education and advanced technology, said on Wednesday that he held “very, very productive meetings” on quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and defence technology.

“We’re looking for business-to-business collaboration so that we can produce better products and expand economic opportunities for both India and the United States,” Gianforte told.

Gianforte identified quantum technology and photonics as two of the most promising areas for cooperation between India and Montana.

“Some of the most exciting areas for us on this trip are the work being done here in India and in Montana in quantum technology and photonics. We’re having university-to-university discussions and private-sector-to-private-sector discussions,” he said.

The Montana Governor said India has developed significant expertise in quantum technology and photonics, which also remain key areas of focus in Montana.

“We’re looking for university-to-university collaboration on research. We have institutions in Montana that spend hundreds of millions of dollars on research in these areas that are of interest to both India and the United States,” he said.

Gianforte also highlighted opportunities for private-sector collaboration. He pointed to the aerospace sector as an example, noting that India operates a large number of Boeing aircraft while Montana-based companies manufacture parts for those aircraft.

“So, collaboration is a great opportunity,” he said.

He also identified precision agriculture as another potential area of cooperation, as technology can help farmers increase productivity.

“Precision agriculture is another area where technology is helping our farmers become more productive. We also have the dean of our School of Agriculture with us on this trip, and I think we’re going to uncover some great opportunities for collaboration,” Gianforte said.

Montana Delegation Explores Multiple Sectors

Gianforte said the trade mission includes 36 members and focuses on sectors where Montana and India share common interests.

“Let me talk specifically about what we’re trying to accomplish on this trade mission. Again, we have 36 individuals with us. We’re looking at areas of common interest, including aerospace, defence technology, precision agriculture and bioscience,” he said.

The Governor also stressed the importance of strengthening India-US trade ties. He said US Ambassador Sergio Gor had assured him that India and the United States were close to finalising a bilateral trade deal.

Gianforte said Montana wants stronger and more predictable trade relations with India, particularly in agriculture.

“India values its farmers very highly, as it should. We value our farmers in the United States very highly as well. We’ve seen great fluctuations in the purchasing of pulse crops in India. We want to have long-term relationships,” he said.

“Particularly in Montana, relationships are important. So, getting this trade deal done, with reciprocal and fair trade, is really essential for us to continue to expand and deepen the relationship between our two countries,” Gianforte added.

Trade Certainty Key to Deeper Economic Ties

Gianforte said businesses in both countries need certainty to invest and build long-term economic partnerships.

He stressed that completing an India-US trade agreement would provide businesses with greater confidence and encourage deeper commercial ties.

“It’s important that the India-US trade deal gets done, as Indian businesses and American businesses need certainty. Without certainty, it becomes more difficult to build deep economic ties between the two countries,” he said.

“We need a reciprocal relationship that gives businesses confidence that we can do business with each other and that both sides are taken care of,” Gianforte added.

The Montana delegation’s visit aims to strengthen cooperation across technology, education, agriculture, aerospace, defence and bioscience while creating new opportunities for businesses and institutions in India and Montana.