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The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with the Embassy of India in Washington DC and SelectUSA, hosted an India Reception during the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit on May 4 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland.
Director and Head for North America at CII, Suchita Sonalika, described the apex industry association as a “committed partner” in strengthening the India United States partnership. She welcomed companies from both countries participating in the summit.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam highlighted the strategic importance of Guam in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that the island serves as a key line of defense for national security. She said India is part of a broader Indo-Pacific alliance committed to safeguarding “freedom, and democracy.”
She emphasized the strong ties between Guam and India across areas such as economic investment, well-being, peace, and prosperity, stating “we cherish and treasure our relationship with India.”
Welcoming the delegates, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India, Namgya Khampa, said “Your participation, in many ways, reinforces the India United States partnership that is increasingly being experienced, lived and nurtured outside DC and Delhi. In fact, it’s finding its meaning and finding its momentum across diverse states and communities and cities in both countries.”
Khampa noted that the United States is now India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services surpassing $240 billion last year and continuing to grow steadily. “What I think is particularly worth noting is that we have achieved the scale without there being a comprehensive free trade agreement between our two countries,” she said adding that this speaks to the natural complementarities between the economies.
She also pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have set an ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, calling it an “achievable” goal. “And I think that with the partnership of those of you in this room and many more beyond, we can get to this goal,” she added.
Highlighting economic collaboration, she said “The best part for bilateral partnership is that US companies are deeply embedded in India’s growth story and in India’s transformation across digital infrastructure, manufacturing, financial services and emerging technologies.” She added that Indian companies are also contributing significantly to the US economy through investments, job creation, and strengthening supply chains.
Referring to the strong Indian business presence at SelectUSA 2026, Khampa said “I am optimistic that the next phase of the partnership will be stronger and even more transformative. And we, at the Embassy and across the eight consulates in the United States, look forward to supporting and fully facilitating this journey of transformation that we believe will create outcomes that benefit both countries.”
Deputy Undersecretary for Policy at the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce, Brandon Remington, said India remains a “valued” strategic partner, noting that the relationship is delivering tangible economic benefits for both countries’ private sectors.
“Under President Trump’s leadership and his America first investment policy, the United States has the world’s most attractive consumer market, a thriving culture of innovation and a highly skilled and productive workforce,” he said, adding “Our accelerated economy, along with President Trump’s focus on reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens for our investors, means there has never been a better time to invest in America.”
Governor of Delaware Matt Meyer said his first official trip as Governor was to India, encouraged by the state’s South Asian Secretary of State, Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez.
“I thought it was a great idea. We didn’t have much time. We packed a lot into five or six days.
We didn’t do a lot of sightseeing. We went to Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, and we did business,” he said, noting meetings with senior government officials including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and business leaders.
He added that the visit was intended to strengthen long-term ties. “It was very important to me that we don’t just take a trip and then come home and forget about each other. We consider the trip a step forward in a relationship, a relationship Delaware has had with India for a long time.”
Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller said she was proud to host the SelectUSA Summit at National Harbor and highlighted the state’s welcoming environment for businesses.
Reflecting on her own journey, she said “Now, if Maryland can do all of this for one immigrant from India, imagine what it can do for your businesses,” adding “In Maryland, we see ourselves as one global Parivar, one global family. So, your employees won’t just find opportunity here, they’ll find community, and your businesses will be in a great company.”
She noted that Maryland is home to a strong ecosystem of Indian-owned companies and highlighted its educational and research strengths, including 57 colleges and universities and more than 60 federal agencies.
“So, your company lives in the intersection of innovation and impact. Well, Maryland is your address,” she said.
Miller added that under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore the state is investing in sectors such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, life sciences, aerospace, and defense. “These are our lighthouse sectors, where we invest, where we build and where we lead,” she said, noting that India and Maryland are aligned through “shared values, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”
“India is a global force in technology, manufacturing and talent, and Maryland wants to grow with you,” she added.
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