NEW YORK CITY (TIP):  The India-America Chamber of Commerce (IACC) warmly welcomed the new Consul General, Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty on Tuesday, October 17. The evening reception was hosted by Rajiv Khanna, President of IACC and Partner at the leading law firm of BakerHostetler. The event was attended by members of the Chamber, high profile business leaders and government officials.

In his welcoming remarks, Rajiv Khanna stated: “Despite some friction on the outsourcing front, the relationship between the United States and India has been moving from strength to strength. President Trump recently confirmed India’s strategic importance in the war against terror in Afghanistan. According to the numbers released by the United States’ Trade Representative, India was the US’s 9th largest trading partner last year. The two-way trade between India and the United States was $67.7 billion last year. It is expected to reach $500 billion in the near future primarily from expansion in the defense and aerospace sector.

India’s economy is also moving from strength to strength. Epidemic corruption has been significantly reduced due to the Indian government’s recent anti-corruption measures and crack down on the parallel cash economy. India is sticking to its fiscal deficit reduction targets and inflation is under reasonable control.

At this critical juncture, New Delhi has sent two of its brightest diplomats to strengthen the economic and commercial ties between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s greatest democracy. We are honored today to welcome our chief guest Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty, the new Consul General of India.” Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty welcomed the audience and expressed his gratitude towards Rajiv Khanna for hosting the event and telling a story to the chamber members on how he learned about Rajiv from the finance minister of India when he was moving to New York for his new role. He appreciated Rajiv’s involvement and support towards India.”

He mentioned that his role will focus on building relationships and prompting economic events in New York City. Ambassador Chakraborty mentioned to the audience that the consulate is at your door steps and I welcome you all to come forward to discuss your issues. He stated clearly, “We are here to help you and work on the issues together.” He touched upon the following points with the audience:

• Consulate office available at your door steps; available to help 24/7
• Consulate at your disposal for any visa issues
• Focus on supporting education, charities, and cultural exchange
• Create dynamic relationships amongst the business community
• India brings positive influence on the world
• India and US are becoming close allies and we continue to build stronger relationships
• Issue of trade and balance; proposal for more oil and gas transactions

Ambassador Chakraborty concluded by thanking everyone for the warm welcome and emphasizing that the consulate is available to solve any hurdles and opened the floor for Q&A.

About India-America Chamber of Commerce

The India-America Chamber of Commerce works to promotes business-to-business dialog between the business and policy leaders of India and the U.S. — the two largest democracies in the free world. The Chamber serves as a platform for open and spirited interaction among U.S. and Indian business leaders from the private and public sectors. The Chambers’ monthly meetings include keynote presentations by visiting cabinet ministers, ambassadors and other prominent business leaders from the U.S. as well as India. India-America Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1932 and has since then, tirelessly worked to promote trade and investment between India and the United States. The Chamber is now accepting new members and forming a new board of influential members.

(Based on a press release)