The 12th World Tamils Economic Conference, held in Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Maryland, from October 3–5, 2025, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and professionals from across the globe to underscore the Tamil diaspora’s growing influence in global business and innovation.

Marking its first edition in the United States, the international summit sought to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and India, promote knowledge exchange, and support emerging startups, while celebrating the Tamil community’s enduring economic and cultural impact worldwide, organizers emphasized. 

Delivering the keynote address during the inauguration of the conference on October 3, Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller praised the Tamil diaspora for its role in advancing the state’s economy and cultural landscape. 

“Let me just say how deeply grateful we are for the extraordinary role that the Tamil Diaspora is playing not just in shaping Maryland’s economy, but in enriching our culture, strengthening our communities and deepening our global connections,” she said.

Miller emphasized that the conference was about more than exploring “emerging technologies, new markets and partnerships.” She added that it was equally about how these opportunities can “uplift lives, create jobs, open doors, and build a future that is not only prosperous but equitable.”

She noted that economic progress requires “intention, commitment, and the relentless work of people who believe in the power of collaboration.” Miller congratulated the organizing team, particularly Rajan Natarajan, Founder and CEO of Global Aliant and former Maryland Deputy Secretary of State, for bringing the global Tamil business community together.

Highlighting Maryland’s diversity, Miller said the state remains the “most diverse” in the Mid-Atlantic region – a testament, she noted, to the strength and vibrancy of its immigrant communities.

Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee expressed appreciation for the strong participation of Tamil and South Asian delegates. “This is just absolutely wonderful,” she said, looking around the global audience. Lee noted the rapid growth of the South Asian community in Maryland and described Miller as “wonderful,” emphasizing her historic achievement as the first South Asian woman elected lieutenant governor in the United States.

Lee, who herself made history as the first Asian American senator elected to the Maryland Senate, added, “We value talent and diversity because our South Asian community is one of our greatest strengths in Maryland.”

Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan applauded the organizers’ efforts and said the event was vital for fostering community and economic growth. Recalling his arrival in the U.S. as a student in the 1990s, Srinivasan said he has always prioritized job creation and business development. 

“More and more Indians are entering policymaking and succeeding in entrepreneurship,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement in public and private sectors.

In her keynote address on October 4, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman echoed those sentiments, noting the state’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “I also know that we are incredibly proud of our diversity and the power of immigration in driving prosperity,” she said, citing research from her office showing that immigrants make up 17 percent of Maryland’s population and 21 percent of its labor force — a higher participation rate than U.S.-born residents.

“We know and appreciate in Maryland the importance of our immigrant neighbors and friends, and we are proud that you have chosen Maryland to come and build families and businesses,” Lierman added.

Lierman noted that Maryland has invested heavily in supporting small and minority-owned businesses. In the first half of 2025 alone, the state invested more than $6.25 billion in projects to strengthen the economy, including over $500 million for minority business enterprises and $770 million for small businesses. She encouraged eligible entrepreneurs to register and benefit from these opportunities.

State Senator Dr. Clarence Lam, speaking on behalf of the Maryland General Assembly, thanked the organizers for bringing together Tamil leaders from across the globe. “You all are doing tremendous work around the world and are significant leaders in your own right,” he said, commending the contributions of South Asians to Maryland’s economic growth.

Chairman Organizing Committee, Rajan Natarajan outlined the conference’s dual goals — to inspire global entrepreneurship and promote U.S.-India collaboration. “Connections bring inspiration, inspiration brings innovation, and innovation takes us to the next level of entrepreneurship and global economic growth,” he said. 

He expressed hope that “the voice and message of this conference will be heard across the globe,” strengthening the Tamil business community’s presence.

Founder-President of the World Tamils Economic Foundation, VRS Sampath, said the summit will highlight both achievements and opportunities for Tamil entrepreneurs. 

He noted that while Tamils have excelled in professional fields such as medicine, law, and engineering, there remains a need to expand into business leadership. “Our community members have brains and talent but only lack networking,” he said underscoring that’s why this summit is very important — to give them the network and resources to succeed.

Noting that the U.S., “a land of immigrants,” Sampath expressed happiness as the conference is being hosted for the first time in Washington DC, calling it symbolic of global opportunity and inclusiveness.

Former Union Minister of India and conference co-chair Nepoleon Duraiswamy urged Tamil entrepreneurs to emulate the business acumen of other Indian communities such as Gujaratis and Telugus. He encouraged persistent effort, saying that “consistent attempts will lead to success.” 

Duraiswamy highlighted India’s growing global influence as the world’s fourth-largest economy and noted that the summit’s discussions would help delegates chart future strategies for progress.

Sharing his personal story, Duraiswamy recalled moving to the U.S. in search of a better life for his son, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Settling in Tennessee, he established an IT company that now employs many. The U.S. is not only a land of immigrants but also a place of immense economic opportunity, he said.

Elisha Pulivarti, CEO of the U.S.-India SME Council and co-host of the organizing committee, underscored the role of Southern Indian entrepreneurs, especially those from Tamil Nadu, in driving India’s economic growth. He said the council continues to promote trade and commerce between the U.S. and India while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Conference convenor Rajaram Srinivasan thanked the international delegates and offered historical context on the Tamil community’s evolution. He highlighted the community’s resilience and success across professional and business sectors.

Selva Jayaraman, Conference Coordinator and Founder and COO of Business Integra, USA, reflected on the Tamil community’s long journey in the U.S. 

He noted that Tamilians first arrived in the 17th century as laborers brought by the East India Company, but now occupy leadership roles in top corporations. Citing Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, as an example, Jayaraman said the Tamil community’s achievements illustrate how far it has come.

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford and former Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz also addressed the gathering. They praised the growing influence of Indian Americans and South Asians in Maryland’s workforce. Schulz added that Maryland is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance economic development and expressed support for a proposed cricket stadium project in the state.

On October 4, the conference featured several panel discussions on contemporary business and policy themes. Sessions included Women’s Leadership and Empowerment in Developing Nations, Entrepreneurship in the Innovation Era, Power Couples in Business: Journeys of Success, U.S.-India Immigration Policies, Challenges, and Opportunities, and Global Economic Situation: U.S.-India Economy and Business Climate.

Fireside chats featured Nepoleon Duraiswamy, Co-Chairman of Nobl Q, discussing “A Multifaceted Journey,” and Jay Vijayan, Founder and CEO of Tekion Corp, on his career trajectory “From CIO of Tesla to CEO of a Multi-billion Dollar AI Company.”

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