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Connecticut signs India trade commission into law
State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox described the legislation as an important milestone for the state and its Indian American community.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 01, Aug 2026
- 04:16 EDT
- 40
Gov. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 132 into law at the State Capitol in Hartford / Instagram/SenatorgadkarWilcox
Connecticut officially established the Connecticut-India Trade Commission on July 30 after Gov. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 132 into law at the State Capitol in Hartford, with State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox joining Binaya Srikanta Pradhan Consul General of India, New York and state officials, Indian diplomats, lawmakers and members of the South Asian community for the ceremony.
The commission, created under Public Act 26-78, is intended to promote long-term collaboration between Connecticut and India in trade, technology, higher education, infrastructure and the arts. Its membership will include legislative and gubernatorial appointees, representatives from higher education institutions, chamber of commerce members and Indian American community leaders.
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Gadkar-Wilcox, who represents Connecticut's 22nd District and is a university professor, described the legislation as an important milestone for the state and its Indian American community.
"I was honored to join Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, the Consul General of India Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, my good legislative colleagues, and members of Connecticut's South Asian community for the bill signing of Senate Bill 132, establishing the Connecticut-India Trade Commission and the launching of GOPIO's chamber of commerce," she said.
Officials lighting the lamp at the State Capitol in Hartford / Instagram/SenatorgadkarWilcoxThe senator said the occasion carried personal significance.
"As the daughter of Indian immigrants, this moment is especially meaningful," Gadkar-Wilcox said. "This commission will strengthen our ties with India, one of the world's strongest and rising economies, in order to expand local economic opportunities for manufacturing, technology education, the arts, and green energy."
She added that the commission "acknowledges the history and many contributions of the South Asian community across our state and creates new avenues for meaningful collaboration going forward."
In a video posted on Instagram, Gadkar-Wilcox said the legislation extends beyond economic policy.
"Senate Bill 132 is more than a trade policy," she said. "It's a recognition of deep cultural, educational, social and business ties between the United States and India."
She also reflected on the significance of the measure from a personal and historical perspective.
"I'm here not just as a senator from the 22nd District, but as the child of Indian immigrants and the first Indian senator ever to serve in Connecticut and the first South Asian woman in the Senate," Gadkar-Wilcox said.
She said the legislation signals Connecticut's commitment to international collaboration.
"With this bill, we're signaling that Connecticut is open for meaningful collaborative enterprise and meaningful global partnerships that will enhance our local economy," she said.
GOPIO chamber launch
The bill signing was held alongside ongoing economic networking efforts by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, or GOPIO, including the launch of its chamber of commerce.
Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan joined Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in inaugurating the Connecticut chapter of the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford. The event was attended by State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, GOPIO Founder President and Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO International President Prakash Shah, elected representatives, business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and members of the Indian American community.
According to the Consulate General of India, the new chapter aims to strengthen trade and investment ties, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and expand business and professional linkages between India and Connecticut.
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