The New Jersey-India Commission (NJIC), led by Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, is set to embark on a nine-day, five-city trade mission to India from Dec.8 to 16, 2024. The delegation aims to bolster economic, cultural, and educational ties between New Jersey and India, building on an already strong partnership anchored by $10 billion in annual trade and significant Indian investment in the state.
India is New Jersey’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment, making this trade mission a critical step toward expanding collaborations in technology, education, healthcare, and commerce.
The 39-member delegation includes prominent leaders from business, technology, and public policy. Key figures include Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way; Wesley Mathews, ceo of Choose New Jersey; Deelip Mhaske, an entrepreneur and community leader; Vandana Tilak, ceo of Akshaya Patra Foundation USA; Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Padma Shri awardee and publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media; and Nisha Desai, director of International Trade at NJEDA.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the significance of the mission, saying, "We take immense pride in the contributions of our vast Indian immigrant population, and through this commission, we can seize a new century of opportunities to grow together and pioneer new possibilities."
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, chair of the NJIC, underscored the importance of the mission, stating, "This mission underscores the profound economic, cultural, and societal connections between New Jersey and India. It’s an honor to lead this initiative as we foster partnerships that will shape a shared future."
Deelip Mhaske, one of the delegates, described the mission as “a stepping stone to building long-lasting relationships between New Jersey and Indian states”. Mhaske added: “It reflects the passion of Governor Murphy and the shared aspirations of our communities. Together, we’re creating a historic movement toward mutual growth."
Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan also highlighted the initiative’s significance: "The New Jersey-India Commission will add strength to the already high level of economic engagement, including $10 billion in trade and strong people-to-people connections. This initiative boosts education and knowledge partnerships, enriching both regions."
The delegation’s itinerary includes significant engagements across five cities:
Bengaluru: Signing a Sister State Agreement with Karnataka and visits to key innovation hubs such as C-CAMP and IIIT-Bangalore.
Hyderabad: Collaborations with T-Hub and interactions with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
Ahmedabad: Meetings with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and a cultural visit to the Sabarmati Ashram.
Amritsar: Visits to the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh and engagements with Punjabi business leaders.
New Delhi: High-level discussions with Indian government officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Since 2019, New Jersey has seen tangible benefits from its partnership with India, including the creation of 1,200 new jobs and the expansion of three Indian companies into the state. Over the last two decades, Indian companies have invested $2 billion in New Jersey, generating nearly 6,000 jobs in life sciences and technology.
"This mission builds on years of collaboration between New Jersey and India," said Wesley Mathews, chair of the NJIC. "The shared vision for our economies and communities will unlock new opportunities for innovation and cultural understanding."
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