Page 16 - The Indian EYE 080726

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 07, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

Connecticut and India Forge

a New Partnership as Governor Lamont Signs

Connecticut-India Trade Commission Bill

that Connecticut is open to new and
OUR BUREAU innovative partnerships
Among the most significant
Hartford, CT
speakers was State Senator Suja-
n a landmark move aimed at ta Gadkar-Wilcox, the first Indi-
strengthening economic, educa- an-American senator in Connecticut
Itional, technological, and cultur- history. Her speech blended personal
al ties between Connecticut and In- experience with public policy, empha-
dia, Governor Ned Lamont officially sizing both the economic and cultural
signed legislation establishing the significance of the commission.
Connecticut-India Trade Commis- “I am here today not just as the
sion at a ceremony held in the State Senator from the 22nd District, but
Capitol in Hartford. as the child of Indian immigrants and
Attended by elected officials, dip- the first Indian Senator ever to serve
lomats, business executives, commu- in Connecticut.”
nity advocates, and civic leaders from Speaking on behalf of himself
across Connecticut, the historic July Governor Lamont Signs Connecticut-India Trade Commission Bill and Commerce Committee Co-Chair
30, 2026 ceremony marked the offi- Senator Joan Hartley, Representa-
cial launch of the Connecticut-India tive Stephen Meskers emphasized the
Trade Commission. The landmark vital contributions of Connecticut’s
initiative establishes a formal frame- Indian-American community to the
work to strengthen trade, investment, state’s social and economic fabric. “I
innovation, academic collaboration, know the contributions intimately of
and institutional partnerships be- the Indian community... my exposure
tween Connecticut and India, one to the community and their contribu-
of the world’s fastest-growing major tions to our society are incredible,” he
economies, opening a new chapter in said.
economic and cultural cooperation Drawing on his own immigrant
between the two regions. family heritage, he recognized the
The creation of the commission sacrifices immigrants make and
follows years of growing engagement praised the impact of Indian profes-
between Connecticut and India. The sionals, entrepreneurs, and commu-
new body was established under Pub- nity members across Fairfield Coun-
lic Act 26-78 and will bring together State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, the GOPIO’s Thomas Abraham ty and beyond. Meskers expressed
legislators, higher education rep- first Indian-American senator in Connecticut speaking at the ceremony appreciation that Connecticut was
resentatives, business leaders, and chosen to launch this partnership and
members of the Indian-American history, speaking at the event pledged the Commerce Committee’s
community to develop long-term part- ence reinforced the natural alignment full support for the Connecticut-India
nerships in commerce, technology, home here. And I think we’re a much between Connecticut and India. “The Trade Commission. He voiced confi-
education, infrastructure, and the arts. stronger state for having each and ev- degree to which this trade commis- dence that the commission would fos-
Governor Lamont positioned ery one of you here calling Connecti- sion can enhance those ties, cultural ter cultural and economic exchanges
the commission as more than sim- cut home.” ties, academic ties, commercial ties, and inspire future legislation that
ply a trade initiative. Speaking at the Lamont highlighted his February bring our two countries together, will strengthens ties and creates lasting
bill-signing ceremony, he reflected on 2025 economic development mission be a better world for it.” opportunities between Connecticut
the deep historical and cultural ties to India, during which he led a dele- His remarks underscored a and India.
between India and the United States. gation of Connecticut officials, busi- broader vision of globalization root- The Connecticut-India Trade
“The relationship between India ness executives, and academic leaders ed in talent, innovation, and mutual Commission will consist of legislative
and the United States is much more to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mum- respect rather than commerce alone. appointees, gubernatorial appointees,
than commercial,” Lamont said. “We bai. The trip was designed to attract Lieutenant Governor Susan higher education representatives,
both fled colonialism to become the investment, strengthen existing part- Bysiewicz focused on the commis- chamber of commerce members, and
largest democracies on the planet nerships, and showcase Connecticut sion’s potential economic impact. She Indian-American community lead-
Earth.” Focusing on how the US re- as a destination for Indian businesses noted that Connecticut’s strong ex- ers. The commission will promote
mains a strong and vibrant nation by looking to expand in North America. port economy and globally connected business and academic exchanges,
welcoming the brightest from around “It’s not only the cultural ties, but that workforce make international part- encourage investment, identify pol-
the world, Gov. Lamont said, “One of sense of entrepreneurship and opti- nerships essential for future growth. icy opportunities, and recommend
our greatest strengths as a country is mism, which I think our two countries “This trade commission, in ad- future legislative initiatives. Annual
that we welcome people from around share.” dition to our existing international reports to the governor and state of-
the world, and I want you to feel at According to Lamont, the experi- trade commissions, tells the world ficials will begin in 2028.

www.TheIndianEYE.com