Governor Greg Abbott Concludes Successful Economic Development Mission to India
Governor Greg Abbott returned from a fruitful economic development mission to India organized by the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and the Texas Economic Development Corporation. This trip marked the Governor’s second visit to India.
During the mission, Governor Abbott, along with the Texas delegation, engaged in meetings with company executives, business leaders, and government officials. The primary objectives were to bolster Texas’ robust economy, foster continued trade, promote job creation, encourage capital investment by Indian companies in Texas, and reinforce the enduring partnership between India and the Lone Star State.
“This economic development mission to India has strengthened our understanding of the deep cultural tenets that Texans and the Indian people share,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas remains the most popular destination for Indian foreign direct investment and job creation in the entire United States, and I am confident this enduring bond and strong collaboration will continue for years to come after this very productive economic development mission.”
The Governor was accompanied by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Executive Director of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office Adriana Cruz, Vice Chair and President of Nextt Arun Agarwal, and President & CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation Aaron Demerson. The delegation also included representatives from over 16 companies, communities, and economic development organizations across Texas:
- City of Dallas Economic Development Corporation Vice President Linda McMahon
- City of Dallas Office of Economic Development Assistant Director Heather Lepeska
- COSTEP Chief Executive Officer Adam Gonzalez
- Dallas Regional Chamber Senior Vice President of Economic Development Mike Rosa
- Frisco Economic Development Corporation Director of Economic Development Harry Whalen
- greater:SATX Chief Economic Development Officer Sarah Carabias Rush
- Greenlight Founder and CEO Manoj Kutty
- GS Dallas Group Co-Founder and Chairman Sanjeev Khana
- Houston Airport System Executive Director Mario Diaz
- Houston Airport System Director of International Relations Zeljka Momirovic
- Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia
- Infosys Americas Executive Vice President and Head Rajesh Varrier
- Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Vice President of International Affairs Joe Chapa
- Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Diana Velasquez
- Opportunity Austin CEO Edward Latson
- Opportunity Austin Vice President of Global Investment & Innovation Corey Rose
- Select Dedicated Solutions CEO Ruben Garibay
- Tata Consultancy Services Head of Government Relations Neil Bjorkman
- Vistra Energy Senior Director of Community Affairs Brad Watson
The mission aimed to strengthen economic ties and build on the existing partnership between India and Texas, emphasizing the mutual benefits of trade, investment, and collaboration.
Highlights From Governor Abbot’s Trip to India
Day 1: Mumbai
Governor Abbott and the Texas delegation kick-started their mission by meeting executives from leading Indian tech companies – Infosys, Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro. Discussions focused on expanding partnerships and philanthropic commitments. The Governor highlighted Texas’ global leadership in tech, energy, aerospace, and manufacturing, emphasizing the state’s investment in a diverse workforce. In the evening, Governor Abbott celebrated Texas’ thriving film industry at a dinner with Bollywood leaders.
Day 2: Mumbai
Governor Abbott toured the Naik School at Larsen and Toubro Limited’s campus, fostering discussions about the company’s operations in Texas. A jersey exchange with the Mumbai Cricket Association showcased Texas’ entry into professional cricket. An industry roundtable with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasized building stronger trade ties and supporting India’s economic aspirations.
Day 3: New Delhi
Governor Abbott met with Adani Group executives, highlighting Texas’ energy prowess. Discussions with NASSCOM leaders focused on expanding India’s tech industry in Texas. At a reception hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service, the Governor emphasized the interconnected economies of Texas and India.
Day 4: New Delhi
A roundtable hosted by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum explored economic ties, while a meeting with HCLTech executives discussed the expansion of tech operations in Texas. A meeting with Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized strengthening economic ties and supporting technology and research.
Final Day: New Delhi
Governor Abbott met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, exploring collaboration in semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace technology. At the 7th India-U.S. Forum, Abbott highlighted historic Indian investments in Texas, totaling over $1.4 billion and creating 10,300 jobs in the last decade. The trip underscored the commitment to strengthen economic partnerships between Texas and India across various industries.
About India
India is ninth among all nations for the number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Texas. According to Indian industry estimates, Texas is the most popular destination for Indian FDI capital investment and jobs created in the U.S. In the last decade, companies from India have invested $1.4 billion in capital investment through 59 projects in Texas, creating more than 10,300 jobs. In 2022, Texas’ total trade with India totaled $20.4 billion, making India the state’s 11th-largest total trade partner. That same year, Texas exports to India totaled $13.3 billion. Texas exports account for 28 percent of all U.S. exports to India.
The trip was sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office, these two organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Abbott’s economic development agenda to build the Texas of tomorrow.
