USA
Governor Ned Lamont Signs Bill Establishing Connecticut-India Trade Commission: Connecticut has taken a significant step toward strengthening its relationship with India with the formal launch of the Connecticut-India Trade Commission, a new body designed to expand trade, investment, innovation and institutional cooperation between the state and India.
Governor Ned Lamont officially marked the establishment of the Commission during a ceremonial bill-signing event at the Connecticut State Capitol on July 30. The initiative creates a formal framework to promote long-term economic and strategic collaboration between Connecticut and one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
The ceremony brought together state legislators, diplomats, business executives, academic leaders and members of the Indian American community, reflecting the growing importance of India-Connecticut relations.
Among those attending were Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Representative Stephen Meskers, Chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.
Strengthening Connecticut’s Engagement with India
Speaking at the event, Governor Lamont emphasized Connecticut’s expanding partnership with India and said the newly established Commission would serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation in commerce, technology, education and cultural exchange.
He also reflected on Connecticut’s economic development mission to India in early 2025, when he led a delegation of state officials and business leaders to Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai from February 23 to March 1.
During the week-long visit, the delegation met with government officials, investors and corporate leaders to explore opportunities for business expansion, foreign investment and technology collaboration.
The Governor noted that the relationships built during that mission laid the foundation for the establishment of the Connecticut-India Trade Commission.
Expanding Opportunities Across High-Growth Industries
India’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, welcomed the creation of the Commission, describing it as an important platform for identifying new areas of cooperation between Connecticut and India.
He highlighted significant opportunities in several high-growth sectors, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
- Clean energy
- Healthcare
- Higher education
- Innovation and research
The Commission is expected to encourage partnerships between businesses, universities, research institutions and government agencies in both regions.
Created Through Bipartisan Legislation
The Connecticut-India Trade Commission was established under Public Act 26-78, following approval by both the Connecticut Senate and the House of Representatives.
The July 30 bill-signing ceremony marked the Commission’s official launch.
According to the legislation, the Commission will comprise 27 members, with the flexibility to appoint additional members if deemed necessary by the chairpersons of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee.
Its membership will include:
- Legislative appointees
- Members of the Commerce Committee
- Gubernatorial appointees
- Representatives from Connecticut’s public higher education institutions
- Chamber of Commerce representatives
- Members of the Indian American community
The diverse membership is intended to ensure broad representation from government, academia, business and community organizations.
Driving Trade, Investment and Innovation
Under its legislative mandate, the Commission will work to:
- Promote bilateral trade and investment
- Encourage business and academic exchanges
- Support infrastructure and economic partnerships
- Develop policy cooperation on issues of mutual interest
- Expand collaboration in science, technology and innovation
- Foster partnerships in arts and culture
Officials believe the Commission will provide an ongoing platform to identify new investment opportunities while strengthening institutional relationships between Connecticut and India.
Building on a Growing Trend
Connecticut becomes one of the latest U.S. states to establish a dedicated India-focused commission.
Neighboring New Jersey created the New Jersey-India Commission in 2024 through an Executive Order issued by Governor Phil Murphy, with a similar mission of promoting trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.
The creation of state-level commissions reflects India’s growing importance as a strategic economic partner for U.S. states seeking foreign investment, technology partnerships and access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
New Opportunities for Business and Education
The Connecticut-India Trade Commission is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, universities, entrepreneurs and policymakers on both sides.
With India emerging as a global leader in technology, manufacturing, innovation and skilled talent, Connecticut hopes the Commission will help attract investment, encourage research collaborations and expand commercial partnerships that benefit both economies.
The initiative also highlights the growing role of the Indian American community in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the United States and India, while positioning Connecticut as an increasingly attractive destination for international business collaboration and innovation.
