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India’s Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has commended Kannadigas for their significant contributions to the United States, particularly the younger generation’s role in strengthening the U.S. economy through its talent and expertise across several sectors.
However, he said visa-related challenges have prompted many young professionals to consider returning to India, adding that it remains to be seen how the situation will develop.
Kumaraswamy, a two-time Chief Minister of Karnataka and the son of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, visited Philadelphia to attend the silver jubilee celebrations of the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA). The convention was held from September 4 to 6 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
“The Kannada diaspora members have been doing a great job in the United States, both for the welfare of the U.S. and India, and are uniquely positioned to connect India with the world,” Kumaraswamy told South Asian Herald in an exclusive interview on September 5 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
He said that under the “visionary” leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving toward becoming a “stronger, self-reliant, and prosperous” country.
“Those interested in investing in India can approach my ministry. We are ready to coordinate with them and provide the necessary support,” the Minister added.
Kumaraswamy said Karnataka, home to India’s Silicon Valley, has emerged as a global technology and education hub, offering numerous opportunities for foreign investors. The state also ranks second in the country in Goods and Services Tax collections.
According to the Minister, several foreign companies are already investing in various sectors in Karnataka. Aerospace, in particular, has emerged as a promising industry, and the state government is working to attract further investment and promote its development.
“The Ministry of Heavy Industries is also strongly promoting electric vehicles through Production-Linked Incentive schemes,” he said, adding that India is making significant investments in electric mobility, including battery-charging infrastructure, and encouraging investors to explore opportunities in these areas.
“In the steel sector, we aim to exceed annual production of 300 million metric tons by 2030 and reach at least 500 million metric tons by 2035,” he added.
Kumaraswamy invited global investors to view India as a long-term manufacturing partner rather than solely as a consumer market, particularly in electric vehicles, green steel and advanced materials.
Despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly in West Asia, Kumaraswamy said the Indian economy continues to perform well. India recorded GDP growth of 7.8 percent in the first quarter and is targeting nominal GDP growth of 10 percent for the 2026-27 financial year.
He also said relations between India and the United States remain strong despite tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Kumaraswamy pointed to the relationship between Trump and Modi and noted that India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal continues to hold discussions on foreign trade.
