SEATTLE: The Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted the second edition of the Invest India Business Forum (IIBF) at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, marking a significant collaboration with the Montana World Affairs Council and ZOHO. The event brought together CEOs and senior executives from major multinational companies in the Greater Seattle area, including representatives from Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and T-Mobile.
Industry experts presented investment opportunities in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Photonics, Quantum Computing, Ag-Tech, Healthcare, and Higher Education, highlighting India’s progress and potential in these fields. Following the forum, the Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce announced plans for Washington State’s largest trade mission to India, scheduled between January 28 and February 7, 2026. This delegation will comprise over 30 members, including representatives from the Port of Seattle, City of Bellevue Economic Development, and leadership from Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.
Ms. Rebecca Lovell, Interim President & CEO of GSP, addressed attendees, emphasizing the goal of strengthening economic ties between Seattle and India. The event also showcased various Indian products, including the premium “Bhagwa Variety” pomegranates, which are set to be available in local retail stores in the U.S. These pomegranates, produced in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, are recognized globally for their flavor and nutritional value. The recent U.S. market access granted to Indian pomegranates in 2023 has led to increased demand.
Mr. Eric Wexler, CEO of Providence, spoke on India’s healthcare potential and highlighted the newly inaugurated Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, which is expected to create over 2,000 jobs. This facility will focus on developing AI-enabled healthcare technology solutions by leveraging India’s talented workforce.
Representatives from ZOHO demonstrated how AI-driven data models are being utilized in India, contributing to the country’s push for digital self-reliance, known as Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Indian government has recently adopted ZOHO’s technology solutions, including its Office Suite, signaling support for Indian startups.
The forum also welcomed a large delegation of senior business leaders from the Montana World Affairs Council. Notably, a youth delegation from the council had recently visited India, where Montana State Governor Greg Gianforte hosted a reception at the State Capitol in Helena.
The main objective of the Invest India Business Forum is to deepen economic ties between the U.S. Pacific Northwest and India, showcasing India’s investment potential in key sectors. It also serves as a platform for promoting Indian export-ready products that have strong market potential in the Greater Seattle area. The IIBF aligns with the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to advance the “3Ts” — Trade, Tourism, and Technology — by fostering investments, industry linkages, and exports.
As the trade mission approaches, the focus on collaboration between the U.S. and Indian markets continues to grow, signaling a promising future for bilateral trade relations.
For more information on the Invest India Business Forum, visit the official page of the Invest India.
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