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CG Pradhan calls India-U.S. corridor ‘most dynamic’ at Columbia conference

Pradhan also hailed the contributions of the 5.4 million-strong Indian diaspora

Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan / Indian in New York via X

The Columbia Business School organized the Columbia India Business Conference on April 4, 2026 where the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, delivered the keynote address. He described the India-US corridor as “one of the world’s most dynamic corridors,” pointing to the rapid expansion of economic ties.

Organized at Columbia Business School in New York City, the 21st edition of the event, themed “The New India Playbook,” was held at the campus.

He noted that bilateral trade has grown “from just $19B in 2000 to $220B today,” with a target of $500B by 2030.

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He also highlighted that “the two nations are now collaborating concretely across AI, semiconductors, defense, space, and other hi-tech areas” under the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Using Strategic Technologies) framework, according to the Indian Consulate.

Pradhan also hailed the contributions of the 5.4 million-strong Indian diaspora, calling them key actors in shaping this evolving partnership.



Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath, was a keynote speaker at the event. The conference also featured Bharat Rashtra Samithi President K. T. Rama Rao, designer Aisha Rao, and podcast host Raj Shamani, along with several Indian and American entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Speaking at the event, Rama Rao urged young entrepreneurs to prioritize “long-term capacity over short-term headlines and splashes.”

Urging the audience to make the most of their environment, he said that being at institutions like Columbia or in cities such as New York offers access to ideas and opportunities, but emphasized that “it’s equally important to prioritize what to build first.”

He also reflected on his own connections to the diaspora, noting his time as a student at The City University of New York and that his son is currently studying at Carnegie Mellon University.

Attendees were served Indian breakfast and lunch, followed by a dinner reception that offered networking opportunities. Participants also received Columbia Business School merchandise.

The Columbia India Business Conference is annually hosted by the South Asia Business Association of Columbia Business School and serves as a premier India-focused gathering in New York City. It seeks to inspire thought leadership and generate discussions around the business, social, political, and creative undercurrents shaping India.

Discover more at New India Abroad

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