Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont concluded a week-long economic development mission to India on March 1, visiting Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai to strengthen business relationships and attract Indian investments to the state.
The high-profile delegation, co-led by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, engaged with key industry figures, government representatives, and investors to expand trade ties, foster new investments, and enhance academic collaborations. The mission was organized by AdvanceCT, Connecticut’s economic development organization.
In Chennai, the delegation attended VentureClash India, a pitch event hosted by Connecticut Innovations at IITM Research Park, connecting Indian startups with Connecticut’s business ecosystem. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Connecticut and Tamil Nadu to enhance cooperation in sectors like manufacturing, biosciences, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
During the Bengaluru visit, discussions centered on technology collaboration, with Connecticut officials highlighting the state’s potential as a US base for Indian tech firms. The delegation also participated in a Deloitte Investment Roundtable to explore global business opportunities and Connecticut’s strategic advantages.
In Mumbai, Governor Lamont engaged with business leaders and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), emphasizing Connecticut’s strengths in financial services, aerospace, IT, and agriculture. The delegation also met with US Consul General Mike Hankey to discuss enhancing state-level commercial ties between the US and India.
The visit underscored Connecticut’s deepening socio-economic relationship with India. Indians make up the state’s second-largest foreign-born population, with approximately 38,000 residents, while India remains the top source country for international students in Connecticut, with around 7,200 currently enrolled.
Key officials in the delegation included Connecticut’s Economic Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, University of Connecticut President Radenka Maric, Yale University Vice Provost for Research Michael Crair, and Connecticut Innovations CEO Matthew McCooe.
