CHICAGO: Indian Ambassador to USA Navtej Sarna used his stay in Chicago early this month meeting leading elected officials besides a good number of community members and business leaders talking about close ties between India and USA, and highlighting huge business opportunities for investing in India.
Ambassador Sarna had useful interactions with Governor of Illinois Bruce Rauner, Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel and President and Director of Art Institute of Chicago James Rondeau.
In his interaction with the Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner the main topic was about the growing partnership between India and Illinois. The opportunity was also taken to highlight the fact that there was immense potential for further growth. A large number of Indian companies are functioning in Illinois. The Indian government, the Ambassador pointed out, is developing over 100 smart cities spread all over the county and that this initiative offered huge investment opportunities for Illinois companies.
Governor Rauner congratulated the Ambassador for his plan celebrating 70th anniversary of India’s independence on a grand scale this year and informed him that the next year in 2018, the State of Illinois would also be celebrating its 200th birth anniversary. He looked forward for the participation of the Consulate General of India in the events to be held on this occasion.
Ambassador Sarna also met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel who mentioned that he considered India as a close friend and Indian American community in Chicago very dynamic and vibrant. The issues related to infrastructure development and energy were also discussed in the meeting. The Ambassador said there is great collaboration for renewable energy with prominent US companies and by 2025 the targets set by the Government would be achieved.
In his meeting with James Rondeau, President and Director of Art Institute of Chicago, the Ambassador was briefed about the activities of the Art Institute, the Vivekanand Memorial Program for Museum
Excellence which was established by the Government of India and the Art Institute in 2012,
and the historic connection of the Art Institute of Chicago with India, especially in the context that it was here that the World Parliament of Religions took place in 1893 and Swami Vivekananda presented his famous “Sisters and Brothers of America” speech.
The Economic Club of Chicago also hosted a luncheon for the Ambassador on April 6. The CEOs of several prominent companies including some fortune 500 companies based in Chicago attended the luncheon. In his address, the Ambassador talked about flagship Indian initiatives concerning its business friendly policies.
He highlighted the current environment in India for promoting business and the industries.
Surendra Ullal
