Vaishnavi Prakash
New Delhi [India], February 20: A high-level delegation from Seattle, Washington State, USA, is currently in India, exploring opportunities to host a US business delegation in 2026. This initiative aims to foster business cooperation, trade expansion, and collaboration between Indian and US companies.
The delegation includes Josh Davis, Chief Economic Development Officer, Greater Seattle Partners; Robert Payne, VP of Economic Development, GSP, Greater Seattle Partners; Gabriella Buono, SVP of Member Development, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; and Leigh Jacobson, Director of Programs and Events, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
The delegates are visiting key Indian cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune, to engage with business leaders, technical universities, and government institutions. Their primary focus is to explore potential investment opportunities, technology partnerships, and trade expansion between Seattle and India.
Interview Q&A:
• What is the primary purpose of your visit to India?
Greater Seattle Partners and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce are in India exploring opportunities to inform a major VIP mission from the Seattle region that will happen in 2026. Delegates will likely include Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, universities, ports, and top elected officials.
• How do you perceive the current state of U.S.-India relations?
Current U.S.-India relations are strong. The visit of Modi to Washington reinforces this reality. The oldest democracy and the largest democracy have a lot of shared values and goals in common. India is non-aligned and the U.S. must constantly work to earn the trust of India as many nations seek to do the same.
• How do you plan to strengthen economic ties between your state and India?
Through programs and initiatives to attract Indian companies to the U.S. such as our SelectUSA Spin-off and program to receive inbound delegations from India.
• What are the main industries in your state that you believe can benefit from stronger ties with India?
Aerospace, Aviation, Biotechnology, Clean Tech, IT, AI, Quantum, Maritime, and Film.
• How was your experience coming to India and arrangements done by Crescendo Worldwide?
Crescendo worldwide helped facilitate strategies and key meetings which have made our mission worthwhile. This is my fourth time to India and Crescendo Worldwide has made the difference.
• How was your experience visiting Aero India exhibition?
Aero India was intense. We enjoyed catching up with our friends at Boeing in particular.
• What are the key takeaways you hope to bring back to your state from this visit?
We hope to attract more Indian companies to the Seattle region. This attraction will result in increased jobs and Capx.
Strengthening Economic Ties Between India and the US
As India and the US continue to deepen their economic engagement, the business potential between the two nations is immense. This growing partnership is driving innovation, economic growth, and cross-border investments, creating a win-win scenario for businesses in both countries.
Initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor and the US-India Strategic Energy Partnership are further accelerating bilateral economic engagement. In FY 2023, the United States emerged as India’s top trading partner for merchandise goods, with a total bilateral trade value of $128.78 billion. Furthermore, 163 Indian companies have invested over $40 billion in the US, generating more than 425,000 direct jobs.
For Indian companies looking to expand into the US, Seattle, Washington State, stands out as a strategic gateway. With its pro-business policies, strong innovation ecosystem, and robust economic infrastructure, Seattle provides an ideal platform for Indian businesses to enter and scale in the US market.
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