By Arun Kumar 

Washington, Jan 31 (IANS) The US-India Business Council (USIBC), seeking better commercial ties with India, has launched a week long Life Sciences Executive Mission to India to coincide with Bangalore INDIA BIO Feb 6-8.

USIBC President Ron Somers is leading the mission, which will explore ways for US and Indian companies to enhance collaboration in innovation and biotech research and development, according to the trade advocacy group with about 400 top US and Indian companies.

The high-level delegation will be comprised of USIBC member companies including Abbott Healthcare, Agilent Technology, Baxter Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Merck, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, Covidien, Biogen, Riddhi IP, and Cannon Design, among others, a USIBC release said.

"India is rich with bright minds and unparalleled talent in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech sectors," Somers said.

"USIBC companies are eager to invest in India's economy, bringing with them technical expertise, investment tools, and research and development capabilities that will enable India to be the innovation nation of the 21st century."

The USIBC mission will convene select meetings with key government officials in New Delhi and Bangalore.

The mission will participate in tours of medical, biotech, and pharmaceutical facilities in India, and take part in roundtable discussions on key policy issues with Indian stakeholders, including FICCI and CII.

In Bangalore, the delegation will meet the Chief Minister and other senior Karnataka government officials.