The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in India (IACC) have renewed the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a continuation of their partnership.

The scope of collaboration has expanded to encompass various areas, such as mental health, global health security, gender issues faced by youth, climate change, agriculture, and education. The signing of the MoU also served as an opportunity to launch a mental health programme, specifically focusing on mental health in the post-COVID era.

Through strengthened collaboration with the private sector, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will foster improved development outcomes in the areas including child health, HIV/AIDS, global health security, water and sanitation, issues concerning youth, gender and women's empowerment, climate change, air and ocean pollution, agriculture, education, primary health care, and health systems strengthening.

By renewing the MoU, the foundation has been laid for an additional five years of effective collaboration between the American and Indian business communities, aimed at achieving shared global development priorities.

As a key initial step under the renewed MoU, USAID and IACC have announced the establishment of a working group. This working group will focus on engaging local organisations and institutions as partners in order to promote equitable change. By involving IACC members, the group aims to ideate and develop tools that are responsive to local priorities. They will draw upon local capacities, diverse networks, and resources, with the ultimate goal of maximising impact by empowering and engaging local organisations. This approach will ensure that tailored solutions are provided to address community needs effectively.