Jaitley Rings Closing Bell at New York Stock Exchange

New York: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) here and also toured the trading floor of the world's largest stock exchange.

Mr Jaitley, who began his 10-day trip to the US on Wednesday, was accompanied by a high-level business delegation from India that included Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harshavardhan Neotia, Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar Kanwar, Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajan Bharti Mittal and Bharat Hotels Chairperson and Managing Director Jyotsna Suri.

Mr Jaitley rang the customary closing bell at the NYSE at the close of trading day at 4 PM.

Before ringing the bell, Mr Jaitley met senior officials of the stock exchange and toured the trading floor where the Indian tricolor was displayed at various TV screens.

As he rang the bell, those accompanying him, including India's Ambassador to the US Arun Kumar Singh and the Indian Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay, applauded.

The business delegation accompanying the Finance Minister includes HSBC India Chairman Naina Lal Kidwai and JK Paper Vice Chairman and Managing Director Harsh Pati Singhania.

ICICI Bank, Infosys, Tata Motors and Wipro are among the Indian companies listed at the NYSE.

After arriving in the city, Mr Jaitley attended a luncheon meeting with executives of top US companies organised by the industry chamber FICCI.

In the evening, he attended a reception hosted by the Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas.

According to a statement released in India ahead of his visit, during his meeting with investors and CEOs, Mr Jaitley would give details regarding broad policy agenda for reviving India's growth while balancing inflation and about India's expectations from long term investors and strategists to support its growth agenda.

He will also explain how the Narendra Modi-led government is focused on making India an easier destination to do business.

The Finance Minister would also give details regarding the role the foreign investors and companies can play in building-out India infrastructure in sectors like power, roads, highways and ports among others.

Mr Jaitley will also travel to Washington and San Francisco before leaving for India on June 24.