Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of U.S.-India relations during a recent event, urging Southern California executives to view India as a strategic partner in the global economy.
IRVINE, CA – On June 25, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, the Consul General of India in Los Angeles, addressed a gathering of Southern California executives, asserting that the U.S.-India relationship is “the most consequential relationship of the 21st century.” He encouraged local businesses to engage with India not merely as an emerging market but as a strategic partner that is actively shaping the global economy.
The invitation-only event, titled “India Is Not Optional,” was organized by the California India Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Port of Long Beach. Attendees included executives from various sectors, such as defense, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, logistics, and venture capital. Notable participants included Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal and representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
During a fireside chat moderated by Gunjan Bagla, CEO of Amritt Inc. and a board member of the Chamber, Srinivasa acknowledged recent challenges in U.S.-India relations but characterized them as normal disagreements among friends. He highlighted that no planned collaborations in defense or aerospace have missed deadlines in the past two years. The Bilateral Trade Agreement, he noted, is “still in process,” with discussions focusing on the finer details, and he reiterated the ambitious goal of achieving $500 billion in two-way trade across sectors such as defense, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and services.
Srinivasa pointed to India’s robust economic indicators, including an annual growth rate of approximately 7 percent, a burgeoning middle class of around 600 million people, and the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He also proposed the establishment of a “talent corridor” between India and the U.S., which would include funded exchange programs and research and development support. The first planning meeting for this initiative is scheduled for next month.
In response to a question from the audience, Srinivasa revealed that following a clash with Pakistan in May 2025, India placed drone orders estimated between $3 billion and $5 billion, asserting that drones represent “the future” of defense.
The evening also featured insights from local executives with extensive experience in India. Marvin Sepe, Senior Vice President of CTC Global, shared his experiences in a conversation with Dr. Nitin Bajaj. Sepe recounted how the transmission-conductor manufacturer successfully transitioned its Pune manufacturing plant from decision-making to operational status in just 14 months, with South Asia now serving as its largest market. He advised companies looking to enter the Indian market to offer a differentiated product and invest in local partnerships, emphasizing that attempting to navigate the market independently can be “a tough road.” He pointed to resources such as Amritt and the U.S. Department of Commerce for guidance.
Dr. Ravindra Verma, founder of the Mobility Infrastructure Group, also spoke during the event, tracing his journey from managing the first LA Metro line to overseeing significant Indian projects, including the Delhi Metro and Kolkata’s privately financed toll bridge over the Hooghly River. His firm is currently working to attract U.S. investment into multimodal logistics parks under India’s PM “Gati Shakti” program, which has significantly reduced factory-to-port transit times from 15 days to just three or four.
In closing, Srinivasa announced that India’s Deputy Ambassador will tour the southwestern U.S. during the third week of July. He assured attendees that the Consulate is prepared to assist companies interested in exploring opportunities in the Indian market.
According to India West, the event underscored the potential for collaboration between U.S. and Indian businesses, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global economy.