US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross described it as a “very important change” in India’s status, noting that “US companies will be able to more efficiently export a much wider range of products to Indian high technology and military customers. India’s new status will benefit US manufacturers while continuing to protect our national security”. Also, he added that “it finally reflects India’s status as a major defence partner of the US”.

Ross said this new designation reflects India’s membership in three of the four multilateral export control regimes, as well the development of its national export control system. He asserted that US companies will be able to more efficiently export a much wider range of products to Indian high technology and military customers. He said India’s new status will benefit US manufacturers while continuing to protect its national security.

Speaking at a panel discussion of the first Indo-Pacific Business Forum organised by the US Chambers of Commerce, Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna highlighted that the Trump administration’s decision acknowledges the security as well as economic relationship between the world's two largest democracies and boosts their defence partnership in a big way.

“It is a sign of trust not only in the relationship but also in India’s capabilities as a valued economic and as security partner. It presupposes that India has the multilateral export control regime in place, which would allow the transfer of more sensitive defence technologies and dual-use technologies to India and without the risk of any proliferation,” Sarna noted.