Indian American International Chamber of Commerce convention attracts leaders in government, business, trade

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Washington DC: The Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, IAICC, held its 2023 Convention and 30^th Anniversary Celebrations from March 29-31 at the Ronald Reagan Center for International Trade in Washington DC.

During the three days, several special events were held including a Congressional reception, Indian Ambassador’s reception, and a Gala banquet, as well as multiple panel discussions with industry experts and government leaders from US and India which examined U.S.-India trade relations and the potential for the future.

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at a reception held March 31, at India House, emphasized that the synergy between United States and India had a long way to go and was just the tip of the iceberg at this time. He was speaking to guests who included board members of IAICC and guests.

“As many of you are aware of our cooperation in critical and emerging technologies and within that we have earmarked semiconductors, quantum AI, space telecom…” Sandhu said, adding “the relationship is deepening in each of these areas… more and more focus will come similarly in NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] and ISRO [Indian Space Research Organization] our two organizations which are cooperating, and we are going to have more missions which are coming up.”

KV Kumar, executive chairman of IAICC noted, “I have been here for 55 years in the United States, mainly in Washington DC. I have had the pleasure of working with 21 Ambassadors including Ambassador Sandhu… some of them were very gracious and most of them were very good. But Ambassador Sandhu is exceptional.”

Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, who is also Director of IAICC Executive Board and Chairman of IAICC PAC, was presented with a Special Award by Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) and IAICC Board members for his support of IAICC. Kumar referred to Dr. Parikh as “a dear friend” and continued “He has always been supportive of the Chamber and brought it up to this level. I am so grateful.”

Congressman Thanedar, a businessman, told News India Times, “This is really an interesting group. I witnessed good discussions about entrepreneurship, and small business ownership. I’m very passionate about being an entrepreneur myself… and helping people achieve their American dream…”

Keynote speaker at the Gala Banquet, IAICC Vice Chairman, International Corporate Advisory Board, Ambassador Gregory J. Newell, said he had worked with Kumar for more than four decades in three administrations, and praised him for his contributions to US-India relations.

Chairman of IAICC International Division, Malav Dani who was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition during the Gala Banquet, told News India Times, “IAICC can assist in three areas of potential collaboration between US and India including Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Trade, Investment and Sustainability; and Social Responsibility. The initiatives and endeavors in these areas should be tempered with selfless service and clear intent to benefit humanity to ensure their success.”

At the Plenary Session on March 29, Ambassador Sandhu along with Lieutenant Governor of Maryland Aruna Miller inaugurated the Convention along with IAICC’s Board Members. Kumar thanked Sandhu and Miller for gracing the occasion and highlighted that IAICC’s mission is promoting trade between US and India.

While praising the work of IAICC under the leadership of Kumar, Sandhu said “his [Kumar’s] stewardship of this organization is truly commendable.” About the US-India partnership, Sandhu noted that “I often say that the relationship has never been better than what it is today,” while underscoring “You can describe the recent transformation by three S’s, the speed of activity, the scale of engagement at every level, and the spread of issues. And of course, this is not limited to governments, but covers industry, think tanks, academia, and organizations like IAICC.”

During her address, Lt. Gov. Miller lauded IAICC’s work. “So one of the things in the State of Maryland that we want to do is to create a strong Sister State relationship between Maryland and India,” Miller said, recalling that as a delegate in 2011, she along with 100 state officials and business leaders undertook a trade mission to India with Governor Martin O’Malley and returned with $60 million worth of business to the State of Maryland.

Miller told News India Times, “I’m excited to be here celebrating the 30^th anniversary of IAICC. It’s critical to the success of the United States and India to be able to have this business partnership, where trade and businesses and entrepreneurs can interact and build nations that are strong with a great economy moving forward.”

At the Congressional Reception on March 29, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland) congratulated IAICC and the Indian-American community for their work in strengthening India-US relations.

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-New York) said, “I have been advocating for more South Asian language classes in our New York City public schools. And I have worked tirelessly to address the issue of hate crimes directed at the South Asian community through community forums and my working with NYPD and the United States Department of Justice.” She also noted her backing of NYC Mayor’s efforts to make Diwali a City holiday.

US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) attended the reception as well.

Former Republican Congressman from California Ed Royce, who had served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs from 2013 – 2019, moderated a panel at the Convention. He told News India Times, “I am always encouraged by the focus of the Indo-American community on how we can deepen ties between India and the United States.”

Recognizing IAICC’s work, Director of the District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Ben de Guzman delivered a proclamation from the Mayor extending “greetings to the organizers and attendees of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce 2023 Convention and 30^th Anniversary Celebration.”

Minister (Economic) at the Embassy of India, Dr. Ravi Kota, during his presentation on the US-India Economic Partnership, said, “Now, we have more than 50 bilateral dialogue mechanisms. I’m talking about these numbers which are very active and every quarter there is some kind of an engagement at some level. US sees India as the top trading partner now and is the largest exporter to India.” In addition, Kota said, the US-India bilateral trade had crossed $113 Billion in 2021. “It’s a 45 percent year-on-year growth. And India now has an ambitious target to take this to $500 billion by 2025,” he added.

Discussing investment opportunities, and the vision of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation, NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan congratulated the entire IAICC team for organizing the event and informed delegates about investment opportunities in NYC.

IAICC Chairman & CEO (USA Division) Shankar Rachakonda, while discussing many aspects of the Convention noted, “India taking over as the G20 President is a momentous occasion.” He added that the IAICC Convention reflects the theme and spirit of the G20.

President of IAICC Forum on Women in Business & Leadership, Dr. Nandini Selvam, moderated a session on Women’s Empowerment. The panel included Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group Pallabi Saboo, CEO of East Coast Metals Keerthi Swamy, CEO of Kapadia Coaching Kruti Kapadia, and President of Info Soft Systems Rohini Rao. Participants discussed challenges and opportunities for South Asian women in business. They also discussed entrepreneurial strategies, work/life balance, and succeeding in a male dominated executive environment.

Panelists such as MD & CEO of Tata Medical & Diagnostics, Girish Krishnamurthy; CEO of General Atomics Global Corporation, Dr. Vivek Lall; Operator, MBDA Federal Procurement Center, Keith Moore; President of the Indian American Friendship Council, Dr. Krishna Reddy; Senior Attorney, Supreme Court of India, Aman Sinha; Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Laura DiBella; and Chair in US-India Policy Studies, Katherine Hadda participated in various panels and keynote presentations during the three-day event.

Secretary & Treasurer of IAICC Executive Board (USA Division), Glenn Falcao, IAICC Board of Trustees, Suresh Ramachandra, Director, Executive Board, Keth Ditthavong, Vice Chair of SE Atlanta Regional Chapter, Dr. Subrahmanya Bhat, Executive Director, Narendra Shah, President & CEO of the Arizona State Chapter, Venkat Kommineni among other IAICC members were also present and participated in discussions at the Convention. Outgoing Member of Executive Board and Chair of Souvenir, Dr. Annapurna Bhat released the Convention’s Souvenir during the Plenary Session, and IAICC Vice Chairman (USA Division), Achyut Allady delivered the vote of thanks at the Gala Banquet.

Incoming IAICC Executive Chairman & CEO, Appen Menon, thanked IAICC Chairman & CEO (India Division) Anil Agarwal, and Executive Boardmember Dr. N. Neelagaru. Menon said he “looked forward to taking IAICC to the next level so that the Indian-American businesses which plan to expand will have a reliable forum for information and networking.”