The Consulate General of India in Atlanta, in partnership with the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, successfully hosted a high-level business roundtable on April 23, 2026, under the USIBC Great States Initiative. The roundtable, themed “Growing the Southern Gateway: Expanding Economic Ties Between Georgia and India,” brought together senior leaders from government, industry, and the business community to explore pathways for strengthening bilateral economic collaboration.
2. Held at the Consulate in Atlanta, the session underscored the strategic importance of the American Southeast as a key driver of India–U.S. economic engagement. Participants noted that the region, anchored by Atlanta’s global logistics ecosystem, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and connectivity to the Port of Savannah, serves as a critical gateway for Indian companies expanding into North American markets. With Indian-American investment in the region exceeding $12 billion and a strong presence of Indian companies across technology and manufacturing sectors, the discussion reaffirmed the growing depth and diversification of commercial ties.
3. The roundtable featured opening remarks by Consul General Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, who highlighted the Consulate’s commitment to advancing partnerships across trade, technology, and investment. Special remarks by Ambassador (Retd.) Atul Keshap, President of USIBC, emphasized the importance of state-level engagement in strengthening the bilateral economic corridor. Contributions from FICCI and the Metro Atlanta Chamber further underscored the role of institutional partnerships in enabling business connectivity and policy dialogue.
4. The moderated discussion brought together a distinguished group of stakeholders from federal and state governments, industry leaders, financial institutions, technology firms, logistics providers, and academia. Participants engaged in a substantive exchange on priority sectors including logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and energy, while also reflecting on evolving global trade dynamics and the importance of resilient supply chains.
5. Key takeaways from the discussion included the need to further leverage the Southeast’s strengths as a manufacturing and logistics hub, expand collaboration in emerging technologies, facilitate greater market access for small and medium enterprises, and strengthen institutional mechanisms for business matchmaking and investment facilitation. Participants also expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation in digital innovation, clean energy, and next-generation supply chains, aligning with shared economic priorities of India and the United States.
6. A presentation was also made on the India–USA Trade Facilitation Portal, highlighting its role in connecting verified exporters and importers, enabling seamless B2B engagement, and supporting businesses in identifying new opportunities across sectors. Participants were additionally introduced to a curated selection of millet-based dishes, reflecting India’s emphasis on sustainable and nutritious food systems and promoting millets as part of global dietary diversification.
7. The Consulate’s ongoing efforts to advance the 3Ts – trade, technology, and tourism across the Southeastern United States were highlighted as a key driver of such engagements, contributing to the shared objective of scaling India–U.S. bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
8. Concluding the session, the Consulate reiterated its commitment to working closely with partners across government and industry to build on the momentum generated by the roundtable. The discussions are expected to translate into tangible collaborations, further reinforcing Atlanta’s position as a vital hub in the India–U.S. economic corridor.
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