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USICC highlights US-India economic ties in annual banquet
Nearly 800 attendees gathered in North Texas for discussions on US-India relations and business ties.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 16, Nov 2025
- 00:20 EST
- 27
Chamber founder Padma Shri Ashok Mago and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a conversation. / USICC
The US-India Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Banquet in North Texas, drawing close to 800 business leaders, policymakers, and community partners for a night focused on economic ties and community engagement.
The event opened with a conversation between Chamber founder Padma Shri Ashok Mago and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. They discussed efforts to strengthen U.S.-India relations and deepen Texas-India economic collaboration. Cornyn reflected on his 2004 trip to India with Mago, describing it as the start of a long relationship with the Indian American community. He said the visit helped inspire the bipartisan Senate India Caucus, which he launched with then-Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Cornyn also spoke about legislative work related to the CHIPS Act, domestic manufacturing, and the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. The discussion touched on future cooperation in defense and semiconductors, along with immigration matters that remain priorities for the community.
D.C. Manjunath, consul general of India in Houston, in his address emphasized his office’s commitment to serving the Indian community. / USICCThe program continued with a fireside conversation led by USICOC board member Rajneesh Gupta, who interviewed Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon’s Consumer Business Unit. They discussed the future of connectivity, innovation in global consumer markets, and the potential for expanded corporate engagement in the region.
India’s ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, delivered a video message highlighting the significance of U.S.-India ties and the impact of both economies on global trade and policy. He noted the Chamber’s influence in shaping community and bilateral relations. His remarks were echoed by D.C. Manjunath, consul general of India in Houston, who emphasized his office’s commitment to serving the Indian community. He outlined plans to expand consular services and open new consulates as part of strengthening bilateral ties.
Raj Daniels, president of the Chamber, said the turnout reflected the “growing strength and influence of the Indo-American business community in North Texas.” He said the group remains focused on building relationships and advancing shared economic goals.
The Chamber presented awards across sectors including technology, healthcare, education, community impact, and entrepreneurship. Honorees included the Primary Care Clinic, Cyber Future Foundation Chairman Valmiki Mukherjee, University of Dallas President Jonathan J. Sanford, India Bazaar co-owner Anand Kishore Pabari, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, First Horizon Bank, and Dallas Regional Chamber President Dale Petroskey.
The event also marked the end of Board Chairman Raj Malik’s two-year term, which the Chamber said included growth in membership and expanded outreach within the Indo-American business community.
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