FDI row: Decision to hold retail FDI won't impact Indo-US ties

KOLKATA: Government's decision to keep FDI in retail on hold will not impact Indo-US relationship, a senior US envoy said on Wednesday.

"This is in an internal issue and an issue of the Indian society. The Indo-US relationship is vibrant, strategic and long term. No single decision will impact the relationship," the newly appointed US Consul-General in Kolkata, Dean Thompson, told members of the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

However, Thompson wished to see more private sector dynamism.

US-based retail major Walmart was among other retail chains who are eyeing the Indian USD 400 billion retail market. Thomson said next year a few US delegations would be coming to India to forge greater trade ties. He said bilateral trade between the countries had grown significantly in the last few years.