A friend of India, Nelson W. Cunningham is set to join the U.S. Department of State in a key advisory role focused on economic growth, energy, and environmental issues. As Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Cunningham will take on a range of special projects and initiatives.
As part of his role Cunningham will develop a coherent framework for cooperation between the U.S. and India on economic, energy, and environmental matters. As the world’s largest democracy and a rapidly growing economy, India is a crucial partner on these issues.
One of his main areas of focus will be encouraging greater private sector involvement in critical minerals projects overseas. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for many modern technologies but their supply chains are concentrated in a few countries. Increasing private investment in mineral extraction and processing in other regions could help diversify these supply chains.
Cunningham brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors that will aid him in this new role. He has served on numerous advisory committees for the State Department and agencies like the Export-Import Bank. He was also General Counsel to then-Senator Joe Biden when Biden chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the private sector, Cunningham co-founded and led McLarty Associates. He has also been deeply engaged with U.S.-India relations through leadership roles with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other bilateral organizations.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
