Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont wrapped up a week-long economic development mission to India on March 1, after visiting Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai to strengthen business relations and attract Indian investment to the state.
The high-profile delegation, co-led by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, engaged with industry leaders, government officials, and investors across key economic sectors. The visit, organized by AdvanceCT, aimed to enhance trade ties, foster new investments, and boost academic collaborations between Connecticut and India.
In Chennai, the delegation participated in VentureClash India, a pitch event hosted by Connecticut Innovations at the IITM Research Park, connecting Indian startups with Connecticut’s business ecosystem. The Connecticut and Tamil Nadu governments also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in manufacturing, biosciences, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
In Bengaluru, discussions focused on technology collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. Connecticut officials positioned the state as an attractive hub for Indian tech firms looking to expand into the US. The delegation also attended a Deloitte Investment Roundtable, discussing global business opportunities and Connecticut’s strategic advantages.
The Mumbai leg of the visit included interactions with industry leaders and members of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Governor Lamont highlighted Connecticut’s strengths in financial services, manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, and IT services. The delegation also met with Mike Hankey, the US Consul General in Mumbai, to discuss deepening US-India commercial ties at the state level.
The mission underscored Connecticut’s growing socio-economic ties with India. Indians form the second-largest foreign-born population in the state, with about 38,000 residents, while India is the top country of origin for international students, with around 7,200 studying in Connecticut.
Key members of the delegation included Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, University of Connecticut President Radenka Maric, Yale University Vice Provost for Research Michael Crair, and Connecticut Innovations CEO Matthew McCooe.