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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 12, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

Ambassador Pradhan cites

New Trade Portal as Central to Mission

500 at GLO-INDIA Gala

NEERAJ DHAR cess to global opportunities for busi-
nesses that may lack the resources
New York, NY
or networks traditionally required
he inaugural ‘Icons of Impact’ for international trade.
Gala, organized by the Glob- Describing the Indian-Ameri-
Tal Indian Diaspora Alliance can community as one of the most
(GLO-INDIA), brought together an influential diaspora groups in the
influential gathering of Indian-Amer- world, Ambassador Pradhan noted
ican achievers, diplomats, legislators, that its nearly four million members
business leaders, academicians, and include doctors, business found-
community advocates, while also ers, professors, policymakers, en-
serving as a platform to spotlight a trepreneurs, and public servants.
significant new initiative aimed at Their deep understanding of both
strengthening economic ties between countries, he said, places them in
India and the United States. a unique position to strengthen the
Addressing GLO-INDIA’s net- India–U.S. partnership and serve as
work of more than 18,000 members a living bridge between the world’s
across five continents, GLO-INDIA two largest democracies.
President H.S. Panaser expressed “Every great trade relationship
gratitude to participants and sup- is, at its heart, a relationship be-
porters of the landmark event. tween people,” he said, encouraging
dia–U.S. trade reached a record $241 manufacturers, artisans, startups, diaspora leaders to mentor entre-
He described one of the eve- billion over the past year, making the and service providers directly with preneurs, facilitate business connec-
U.S. importers and buyers. The ini-
United States India’s largest trading
tions, and help create opportunities
ning’s most noteworthy mo- partner for the fourth consecutive tiative seeks to create trusted com- for smaller enterprises across India.
The Consul (Trade) also rein-
ments as the address delivered year. mercial partnerships while reducing forced the importance of the new
barriers often faced by small and
“The partnership between India
by Ambassador Binaya S. Prad- and the United States is in one of its medium-sized enterprises entering initiative during the event, describ-
strongest chapters yet,” Ambassa-
han, Consul General of India dor Pradhan said, adding that both international markets. ing the Trade Facilitation Portal as
a trusted gateway connecting U.S.
According to officials, the plat-
in New York, who emphasized countries have embraced an ambi- form offers a growing ecosystem importers with a carefully vetted da-
the growing momentum in In- tious target known as “Mission 500,” of services, including virtual exhi- tabase of Indian exporters.
bitions showcasing Indian prod-
The platform, she noted, is de-
which aims to more than double bi-
dia–U.S. relations and intro- lateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. ucts and services, webinars on U.S. signed to foster an ecosystem for
A key focus of the Ambassa-
duced the newly launched India– dor’s remarks was the launch of market trends and regulatory com- shared growth.
pliance, market-entry guidance,
As India and the United States
USA Trade Facilitation Portal. the ‘India–USA Trade Facilitation sector-specific networking oppor- deepen their strategic and econom-
Portal’, a first-of-its-kind govern- tunities, and dedicated support for ic partnership, the launch of the In-
Speaking to an audience of ment-backed digital platform devel- Micro, Small and Medium Enter- dia–USA Trade Facilitation Portal
nearly 200 distinguished members oped by the Consulate General of prises (MSMEs), women-led busi- is being viewed as a practical step
of the Indian diaspora, Ambassador India in New York. nesses, and One District One Prod- toward translating ambitious trade
Pradhan highlighted the remarkable Designed to simplify cross-bor- uct (ODOP) artisans. goals into tangible opportunities
trajectory of bilateral trade between der business engagement, the portal The portal is available free of for businesses and communities on
the two nations. He noted that In- connects verified Indian exporters, charge and is intended to expand ac- both sides of the globe.

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