Our Bureau
Washington, DC
The US Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Mr. Rahul Sharma as the new India-based Managing Director of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), effective August 20, 2024. He will lead a strong team of policy experts dedicated to the over-200 member companies of the Council, and the partnership and prosperity of the both the U.S. and India.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Sharma to the USIBC family,” said Ambassador Atul Keshap, USIBC President. “Rahul’s vast experience and proven track record in media, policy, and corporate advisory and communications will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the U.S.-India partnership and achieve a shared goal of $500 billion in trade.”
With nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Sharma, a former journalist and newspaper editor, brings extensive knowledge of India’s business landscape to USIBC. He joins USIBC following six years of leading APCO India, where he guided corporate clients, managed business and policy advocacy goals, and advised state governments in investment communications.
Mr. Sharma’s appointment comes as USIBC prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 2025, marking 50 years of USIBC’s role as the top business voice in the U.S.-India corridor. “I look forward to my new role at USIBC and working with a unique set of people who are committed to enhancing and deepening business and strategic ties between the world’s two greatest democracies,” said Mr. Sharma.
Mr. Sharma, long recognized as a leading voice in India’s public affairs landscape, previously served as Deputy Secretary General for the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). His background in journalism includes roles with organizations such as Reuters, Hindustan Times, Khaleej Times, and The Economic Times. He is a founding member and past president of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI.)
Mr. Sharma holds a master’s degree in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, a master’s degree in international trade and economy from Flinders University, and a post-graduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
