The event welcomed over 25 esteemed organizations representing the vibrant tapestry of the Indian diaspora in the New York area. The esteemed Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, was the guest of honor.

“This evening, we celebrate more than just the arrival of a distinguished diplomat,” said Mahesh Wani, Secretary of the Gandhian Society. “We celebrate an opportunity to bridge cultures and communities, a principle that resonated deeply with Mahatma Gandhi.”

The event highlighted the Gandhian Society’s commitment to inclusion, a cornerstone of Gandhi’s philosophy. It brought together individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, united by their connection to India and its values.

“Our organization fosters a spirit of inclusion,” Wani added. “We have experienced seniors who guide us with their vision, while our younger members translate that vision into action. This mentorship ensures the Society’s sustainability and cultivates future leaders.”

The evening featured a cultural performance that showcased the rich diversity of the Indian-American community.

Dignitaries and Community Leaders Address the Gathering

The event featured remarks from a distinguished group of dignitaries and community leaders:

• Mayors:
  • Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison Township welcomed the Consul General and expressed gratitude to the participating organizations.
  • Mayor John McCormick of Woodbridge Township spoke about the Indian-American community’s valuable contributions to their local communities.
• Business Leaders:
  • Albert Jasani and Dr. Dinesh Patel, owners of Royal Albert Palace and the event’s hosts, extended a warm welcome to all guests and the Consul General. They further offered to host future consulate events benefiting the community.
  • Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, lauded the Gandhian Society’s humanitarian work and pledged his continued support.
• Community Organizations:
  • Kenny Desai, former president of FIA, Bharat Rana, president of FISANA, and Jahanvi Mehta of the Oak Tree Road Business Association offered their greetings to the Consul General.
  • Anil Narang of World Vegan Vision spoke about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of veganism and promoting Gandhian values.
  • Upendra Chivukula, chairman of the board of public utilities of NJ, offered his support and that of the state of NJ to the Consul General.

Consul General’s Remarks and Cultural Performances

The Consul General expressed his appreciation to the Gandhian Society for organizing the event and the warm welcome he received. He commended the captivating cultural show featuring Indian classical music, a traditional Mallakhamb performance, a Tabla ensemble, and an Odyssey dance recital. He acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s dedication to both their homeland and their adopted communities while preserving their heritage through culture, values, and traditions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Bhadra Butala, founder of the Gandhian Society.

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PUNE: Some of the leading healthcare brands are planning to expand their base in India and one of these brands is on the verge of announcing a MoU in the country soon, I estimate that 5-6 healthcare brands are in the process of expanding their base in India. One of the brands is in the process of signing a MoU with an Indian partner. It is likely to be announced in the next few days, asserted David Wolff, Chairman of Aaron Capital, Inc. USA.

David Wolff was here to deliver a speech on ‘America is coming to India’ which formed part of the second annual Dr DY Patil Lecture, organized by D Y Patil International University(DYPIU), Akurdi, Pune. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabhat Ranjan was present on the occasion.      

Aaron Capital Inc. is a sector agnostic Global Boutique Investment Banking Firm that operates in India through its affiliate Aaron Financial Advisory India.

David Wolff said “To further smoothen their relations, India and the USA are making efforts to resolve their persisting bottlenecks,” while addressing a gathering. The healthcare sector is the one where India needs structural changes which makes a huge potential for investment by global investors and hence some of the big brands in the healthcare sector in the US are coming to India.

Prof Prabhat Ranjan, Founder Vice Chancellor of the DY Patil International University, who was heading TIFAC, the technology think-tank of the government of India before taking up his current assignment, said that the Technology Vision 2035 document, which was released by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in 2016, had discussed at length on the topic. He mentioned that as compared to expectations in the vision document, India is lagging in the healthcare sector. India is a major importer of biomedical equipment at present. We can change the game if we can develop the same on our own, he said.

Prof Ranjan mentioned that for the first time in the country, DYPIU has started a course B Tech in semi-conductor engineering given the large growth expected in the semiconductor industry.

India and the US are making efforts to resolve their persisting bottlenecks, said David. The current impediments to bilateral relations include tariff and non-tariff barriers, complex custom clearance procedures, IPR, and data localization issues, he added.

The foundation of India-US bilateral relations rests upon several key elements, which encompass the expanding market size of the Indian economy, the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora in American business and politics, and a shared recognition of the imperative to address Chinese aggression.

As the United States deepens its involvement in the Indo-Pacific region and India consolidates its regional influence, the collaboration between these democratic powerhouses possesses the capacity to redefine the geopolitical landscape, he said.

The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India

The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India during 2021-22, ranking second behind Singapore which stood at 27 percent. Computer software and hardware; the services sector and the automobile industry attracted the maximum FDI equity inflow and Gujarat; Karnataka and Delhi are the top FDI-receiving states from the USA.

To further smoothen their relations, India and the USA are trying to resolve their persisting bottlenecks. The current impediments to bilateral relations include tariff and non-tariff barriers, complex customs clearance procedures, IPR, and data localization issues.

According to David Wolfe, “The United States is the third largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India with equity investment of $ 59.1 billion (April 2000 to December 2022), which represents 9.45 percent of the cumulative inflows received by India.”

The bilateral trade relationship between India and the United States has experienced a remarkable expansion over the years’ partners. The bilateral trade between the two countries has risen by 72 percent between 2017-18 and 2022-23. During 2022-23, the USA was the top destination of Indian exports to the world and the third source of India’s imports from the world. Further, India’s exports to the USA stood at $ 78.5 billion in 2022-23 and its imports from the USA were $ 50.2 billion, he said.

In 2014, the two countries also initiated the bilateral Investment Initiative, aimed at facilitating foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, capital market development, and infrastructure financing. Notably, the US-India Infrastructure Collaboration Platform in 2014 has also been established, with a focus on deploying advanced US technologies to meet India’s infrastructure requirements.

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The event will also include coffee and pastries.

Interested individuals can register for the event on the Asia Society website.

IN-PERSON EVENT on Wed 06 Sep 20238:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Location Address: 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Click for Directions

The post How are the U.S. and Japan Shaping the Future of the Indo-Pacific? appeared first on NRI News.

The event took place at the Clay Oven restaurant, nestled in the historic town of Lexington, MA, and was graced by the presence of many distinguished business and community leaders, including Mr. and Mrs. Puran Dang, Mrs. Ranjani Saigal, Ms. Amrita Saigal, Mr. Gope Gidwani, Mr. Dhruba Sen, Mr. Archan Basu, Dr. Smita Joshi, Puneet Kohli, Paru Sanghvi, Vijay and Madhu Narang, Dr. Dinesh Patel, Mr and Mrs. Yash Shah Mr. Guruprasad Sowle, Krishna Srinivasa and many others.

Mr. Ramesh Kapur, in his opening address, welcomed Congressman Ro Khanna to New England, emphasizing the Congressman’s unwavering perseverance and determination that led him to triumph in his third election, eventually defeating the incumbent. Notably, Congressman Khanna played a significant role in inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to address the joint session of the US Congress.

During his remarks, Congressman Khanna emphasized the importance of recognizing India’s elected leaders and acknowledged that the relationship between India and the United States is pivotal. He stressed that India’s emergence as a powerful nation, two generations removed from colonialism, requires realistic expectations in terms of alignment with US policies.

In his closing statements, Mr. Kapur shed light on the upcoming visit of Congressman Khanna and other esteemed members of Congress to India in August, signifying the continued commitment to strengthening India-US ties.

This momentous event marked not only a celebration of Congressman Ro Khanna’s achievements but also a testament to the cohesive spirit and vibrant engagement of the New England Indian community in furthering bilateral relations between India and the United States.

The Indian American Community of Massachusetts successfully raised over $25,000 at this event.

The post New England Indian American Community Extends a Warm Welcome to US Congressman Ro Khanna at Fundraising Event appeared first on NRI News.

The Mahindra Group will support interested companies in setting up their manufacturing base in India in a range of ways, including

1. Through an integrated approach to manufacturing (infrastructure, supply chain, technology/automation, and others);
2. A modular plug-and-play suite of offerings;
3. Experience sharing on regulations and compliance; and
4. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus.

With India as the fulcrum for its manufacturing operations, the Mahindra Group offers self-sufficient industrial parks at strategic locations and expertise to guide companies through the approval processes. The Group also offers cost-effective solutions for manufacturing and logistics needs, amongst others.

Complementing these efforts, International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets – will offer bespoke equity and debt financing solutions for these companies. IFC has deep expertise in the manufacturing sector globally and offers valuable guidance leveraging its presence in India for local context and insights gained over six decades in the country.

India, with its huge domestic market and established industrial base, offers a robust manufacturing hub for global supply chains. Its young and skilled labor force is an added asset in terms of talent and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, with a thriving start-up ecosystem, India is well-positioned to drive economic growth and serve as a nerve center for disruptive ideas and technologies. The country has also achieved substantial manufacturing complexity across sectors, showcasing its competitiveness and readiness.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Anish Shah, Managing Director & CEO, of Mahindra Group, said, “Mahindra Group is delighted to announce a dedicated platform in the United States – a decisive step aimed at enhancing global manufacturing and supply chain solutions for American companies. With this bold move, we will empower American businesses to unlock the immense potential of manufacturing in India. We are committed to leveraging our experience, capabilities, and expansive scale thereby strengthening the global manufacturing landscape. Together, we will forge a path towards a shared, prosperous future, marked by strong collaboration and growth.”

The initiative’s modular approach will further allow businesses to select products, services, and financing options from the Mahindra Group’s entire suite of offerings based on their exclusive requirements. With a demonstrated commitment to the highest ESG standards, sustainable manufacturing solutions will be a key component of the initiative.

The Mahindra Group also has extensive experience in regulatory and policy matters, with an in-house team of experts, who will lend their expertise to give American companies a head-start on their manufacturing journey in India.

The post Mahindra Group to Enable US Companies to Expand Global Manufacturing Footprint appeared first on NRI News.

The world order has changed since the Ukraine war, said Dr. Sampat Shivangi, National President of Indian American Forum and the Legislative Committee Chairman of AAPI, after he had attended the Luncheon hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris in honor of the visiting Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on Friday, June 23^rd, 20203.

Describing how the growing friendship between the greatest and the largest democracies of the world is mutually beneficial to both nations, Dr. Shivangi said, “The US needs a democratic giant Cabot. It cannot find a better nation than India, the fifth largest economy and aspiring to be the third largest economy, as ben stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historical address to the US Congress last week.”

Dr. Shivangi pointed out the way, President Biden, who was very much aware of negative propaganda against India regarding its treatment of minorities, did not seem to have raised the issue with the Indian Prime Minister during their meetings in Washington. While Mr. Modi unequivocally defended India’s democratic values and the equal rights accorded to all of its citizens, President Biden “stood solidly behind India and signed historic treaties that include collaborative efforts to produce jet engines for fighter planes in collaboration with GE and HAL, a warning sign to China after a post-QUAD understanding.”

Dr. Shivangi justified President Biden calling China’s President a dictator immediately after the US Secretary of State returned home after so-called successful bilateral meetings between Blinken and his counterparts in Chiba.

Lauding the great achievements and contributions of the powerful Indian American community, Dr. Shivangi said, “They are reciprocal in supporting the several Treaties India and the US signed. The presence of thousands of Indian Americans on the White House lawns was a testament to the strength and its support in developing newer and stronger ties between the two greatest democracies of our times. US government was quick to assess and make efforts to strengthen such a phenomenal transformation of relations.”

“In a changing world order, post-Ukraine invasion, India and Indian Americans explore the possibility of reduction in defense supplies from Russia to India a steady friend and partner of India for many decades,” the veteran AAPI leader told this writer. Between 2016 and 2020, India accounted for nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of Russia’s total arms exports and Russia accounted for roughly half (49 percent) of Indian imports, the CRS report said.

With India being in a tough neighborhood, Dr. Shivangi pointed out how Russia is unable to provide for the Indian defense requirements. “In this context, a treaty signed between India and the US to supply drones and Jet engine production in India is a great way to move forward and the Indian diaspora welcomes it with open arms.”

A conservative lifelong member of the Republican Party, Dr. Shivangi is the founding member of the Republican Indian National Council. Over the past three decades, he has lobbied for several Bills in the US Congress on behalf of India through his enormous contacts with US Senators and Congressmen.

A close friend to the Bush family, he was instrumental in lobbying for the first Diwali celebration in the White House and for President George W. Bush to make his trip to India. He had accompanied President Bill Clinton during his historic visit to India. Dr. Shivangi is Dr. Shivangi has worked enthusiastically in promoting India Civil Nuclear Treaty and recently the US-India Defense Treaty that was passed in US Congress and signed by President Obama.

Dr. Shivangi has been actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with the Blind Foundation of MS, and the Diabetic, Cancer, and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has initiated a number of philanthropic works in India including Primary & middle schools, Cultural Centers, and IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtain the first-ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans. Dr. Sampat Shivangi was awarded the highest civilian honor, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman Award in 2016 in Bengaluru by the Hon. President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York in 2008. He is married to Dr. Udaya S. Shivangi, MD, and the couple are blessed with two daughters: Priya S. Shivangi, MS (NYU); Pooja S. Shivangi who is an Attorney at Law.

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