World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) and Indus International Research Foundation (IIRF) are thrilled to announce their partnership for a transformative business trade mission to India, scheduled from February 26th to March 2nd, 2024. This strategic alliance aims to fortify economic relations between the U.S. state of Utah and India, unlocking a plethora of lesser-known opportunities for businesses spanning various core industries in the Indian market. These industries largely include aerospace, defence, technology, life sciences, education, cybersecurity, and more.

The former Governor of the State of Utah, Gary Herbert, and former First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, will lead the trade delegation. Alongside them will be prominent figures from World Trade Center Utah’s leadership team, including Jonathan Freedman, President and CEO, David Carlebach, COO and Managing Director of Business, and Guruprasad Sowle, WTC Utah International Advisor for India and IIRF Americas President & Co-founder. Complementing them will be executives and founders from major organisations.

The delegation will engage with key collaborators such as:

• Kavach, a defence and aerospace-focused think tank and investment fund, led by former Defence Secretary of India Dr. Ajay Kumar.
• Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture (MIICCIA), a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering cooperation and empowering businesses for national development, led by Ambassador Anil Trigunayat.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which facilitates partnerships between industry, government, and civil society to promote India’s development.
• Observer Research Foundation Mumbai, a global think tank providing independent analysis on issues like security, strategy, economy, development, energy and resources.
• Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, IT Minister in Hyderabad.

Events and meetings will take place in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

The Bangalore conclave, as part of the Indo-US Collaboration in trade, technology, aerospace, and defence, aims to leverage the strengths of both nations’ defence and aerospace sectors through technology and innovation. The event will be attended by esteemed guests, including:

• Chief Guest Dr. Kumar
• Guest of Honour Lt. Gen. Vinod G Khandare PVSM, AVSM, SM
• Distinguished guests former Governor and First Lady Herbert

Governor Herbert expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Utah has led the nation with top rankings for our strong economic performance for over a decade. We take pride in being ranked as the best state in America, the best economy, and the best state to start a business. International trade plays a significant role in the state’s economy, and its business-friendly environment is increasingly recognized as a premier global business destination. I look forward to joining the business delegation in India to expand our state’s global trade relationships.”

“Being globally minded is Utah’s competitive edge. With one of the youngest populations in the nation speaking over 130 languages, Utah is fertile ground for international collaboration,” shared Freedman.

“Utah recognizes India as an economic powerhouse ripe with opportunity, and we are eager to forge new connections while there,” added Carlebach. “Our two markets, both known for their innovation and competitiveness, will find a great deal to partner on.”