Gov. Reynolds returns from India trade and investment mission

Governor Kim Reynolds has returned from an eight-day trade and investment mission to India, the second in the course of a year. She was joined by a 20-person Iowa delegation including Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham, and groups representing Iowa's agriculture, education, and business sectors.

"Over six decades ago, Dr. Norman Borlaug collaborated with Indian scientists in Delhi to kickstart the Green Revolution, saving more than a billion lives in the process. This foundational link between Iowa and India grows even stronger today, as evidenced by our second mission to strengthen ongoing trade partnerships and explore new investments," Governor Reynolds said. "Iowa's agricultural innovation, top-tier research institutes, cutting-edge ag-tech startups, and established ag companies make us an ideal partner for India. Likewise, Indian companies are attracted to Iowa as a place to expand operations, tap into a flourishing ecosystem of innovation, and leverage a central location to access the broader American market. By combining Iowa's ag expertise with India's scale, talent, and growing market, we can create new pathways to feed and fuel the world."

"Iowa's hardworking farmers produce high-quality products, and our state leads the way in agricultural technology and innovation - making us an ideal partner for India's growing economy and population. This trade mission further builds on our strong relationship, opening new market opportunities for Iowa farmers and agribusinesses' food, feed and fuel products," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "I'm grateful to our delegation for representing the State of Iowa and highlighting our commitment to building and expanding international markets. Through open dialogue and creating new connections, we're paving the way for lasting economic opportunities and a strong, vibrant partnership between Iowa and India."

"Returning to India after the governor's successful trade mission in 2024 marked a significant milestone in our relationship and reinforced Iowa's global leadership in agriculture and innovation," Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham said. "The enthusiasm from Indian businesses is a testament to the value our state brings to the global marketplace. This trip exemplifies Iowa's commitment to a long-term relationship with India, which will benefit farmers, entrepreneurs and communities across both our regions."

The group visited New Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai, meeting with industry, agriculture, and government leaders.

Governor Reynolds delivered a keynote address at DialogueNEXT, a series sponsored by the World Food Prize Foundation showcasing leaders who promote global food security.

Governor Reynolds also met with India Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar and India Minister of Commerce Goyal. In addition, she participated in roundtable discussions with the Sehgal Foundation, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) highlighting opportunities to collaborate and innovate with Indian industry.

Governor Reynolds visited Praj Industries, an Indian leader in bio-based technologies, and Baramati Agro, an emerging international exporter of ethanol, to explore trade opportunities and advancements in ethanol production.

Governor Reynolds also met with Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and members of its executive team. Tata Group is the largest business conglomerate in India with companies in the manufacturing and sustainable energy sectors.

The governor witnessed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) and India's Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), a nonprofit body that represents various industries including agribiotech and industrial biotech fields.

Governor Reynolds and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis signed a state partnership agreement between Iowa and Maharashtra, India. The strategic partnership between the two states aims to deepen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, education and renewable energy. It will also promote cultural exchanges, workforce development, and mutual investment opportunities, with a focus on expanding foreign direct investment and trade between the two regions.