Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and a state delegation concluded a six-day economic mission across India, culminating in Mumbai after visits to four cities. The trip, organized by Choose New Jersey, focused on strengthening business ties in sectors including pharmaceuticals, information technology, film and media, food and beverage, and innovation.
In Mumbai, the delegation engaged in multiple high-level discussions. They began with a roundtable hosted by the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM), representing over 65 startups. The dialogue centered on enhancing collaboration between Mumbai’s burgeoning tech scene and New Jersey’s innovation infrastructure, particularly its newly launched Strategic Innovation Centers.
A SelectUSA reception co-hosted with Acting Consul General Rakesh Adlakha brought together media and entertainment firms. Governor Murphy emphasized New Jersey’s strategic advantages as a production hub, citing proximity to New York, competitive incentives, and a skilled workforce. Adlakha highlighted the growing U.S.-India cultural and trade linkages in the creative industries.
The delegation also held breakfast discussions with the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), which represents 25 major research-driven pharma firms responsible for over 85% of private-sector R&D investment in India. Officials outlined New Jersey’s strengths in life sciences, including its talent pool, research institutions, and supportive regulatory environment, positioning the state as an ideal partner for Indian companies seeking U.S. expansion.
A networking lunch with Nishith Desai Associates (NDA), a leading Indian law firm specializing in technology and life sciences, facilitated conversations on cross-border investment, intellectual property, and startup collaboration. New Jersey representatives detailed state-backed support systems for entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
A significant milestone of the trip was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Montclair State University and Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), Mumbai’s first private university. The agreement formalizes cooperation in healthcare education, including a certificate program on adult and elderly care and a preparatory track for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required for U.S. nursing licensure.
Meetings with Tata Consumer Products and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) explored opportunities for expanding their existing operations in New Jersey. As part of the Tata Group—one of India’s largest conglomerates—the companies represent major players in global food and beverage and IT services, respectively.
The mission concluded with a roundtable hosted by the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), the country’s premier body for venture capital and private equity. Discussions focused on New Jersey’s appeal as a gateway for Indian investment in technology, clean energy, and financial services, reinforcing the state’s role in fostering U.S.-India economic partnerships.
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New Jersey Economic Mission Trip to India Daily Recap – September 25
Mumbai, India – Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation wrapped up Choose New Jersey’s six-day, four-city, Governor-led economic mission to India in the City of Mumbai today. The visit included meetings with companies in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to film, food and beverage, and IT services. n nBelow are photos and additional details from the day’s events in Mumbai: n nTech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM) Roundtable n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation participated in a roundtable with the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM). TEAM, representing more than 65 startups, serves as a leading voice for Mumbai’s tech startup ecosystem. The discussion explored opportunities to strengthen ties between Mumbai-based startups and New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, including the state’s newly established Strategic Innovation Centers. n nFilm & Media SelectUSA Reception with Acting Counsel General Rakesh Adlakha n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the entire New Jersey delegation attended a film and media SelectUSA Reception with Acting Counsel General Rakesh Adlakha. The event brought together film and media companies and business groups from Mumbai. Governor Murphy highlighted New Jersey’s strengths as a hub for film and media, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration and investment with Mumbai-based companies. Acting Counsel General Adlakha spoke to the importance of the U.S.-India trade and cultural connections in the media sector. n nRoundtable Event with Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation joined a breakfast roundtable with the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA). The discussion explored opportunities for collaboration in life sciences and pharmaceuticals, while highlighting New Jersey’s dynamic innovation and startup environment. New Jersey delegates shared insights on the state’s key industry clusters, support mechanisms, and potential partnerships for Indian companies. n nRoundtable Event with Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation participated in a roundtable with representatives from the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), an association that represents 25 leading research-based Indian pharmaceutical companies that account for over 85 percent of the private sector investment in pharmaceutical research and development. u200bAt the meeting, Governor Murphy showcased New Jersey’s competitive advantages—including its world-class workforce, robust innovation ecosystem, strategic location near New York City, and strengths in life sciences, technology, and financial services—as a premier destination for Indian investment and U.S.-India collaboration. The New Jersey delegation highlighted New Jersey’s deep cultural and economic ties with India, supported by the state’s large and influential Indian diaspora. n nLunch Event with Nishith Desai Associates (NDA) n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation participated in a networking lunch with Nishith Desai Associates (NDA), a research-driven law firm focused on cutting-edge legal domains. The event brought together high-profile Indian companies and NDA’s experts to discuss collaborative opportunities in technology, life sciences, and innovation. The New Jersey delegation shared insights on the state’s support mechanisms, startup clusters, and investment opportunities, fostering dialogue on potential partnerships between New Jersey and Indian firms. n nMontclair State University and Somaiya Vidyavihar University Sign MOU to Train Future Healthcare Workers and Nurses n nGovernor Murphy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Montclair State University and Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) as a witness. SVU is Mumbai’s first private university and a leading global academic institution. The agreement fosters academic and cultural collaboration between the two institutions in the field of health care. The MOU formalized ongoing collaboration between the two universities, including a certificate program on the care of adults and the elderly. The agreement also creates a program to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a standardized examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing required to obtain a registered nurse (RN) or license in the United States. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to expanding future academic partnerships. n nMeeting with Tata Consumer Products and Tata Consultancy Services n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation met with Tata Consumer Products and Tata Consultancy Services, part of the Tata Group, to discuss the company’s current presence in New Jersey and its plans for further expansion in the state. The Tata Group, headquartered in Mumbai, is one of India’s most respected and diversified multinational conglomerates. Tata Consumer Products, a key enterprise within the Tata Group, stands as a global leader in the food and beverage industry. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is one of the world’s largest IT services, consulting, and business solutions organizations. n nRoundtable with Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) n nGovernor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation participated in a high-tea roundtable with the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), India’s leading industry body representing venture capital, private equity, and alternate capital funds. The event provided an opportunity to highlight New Jersey’s strengths as a premier destination for investment in technology, life sciences, clean energy, and financial services. Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration between IVCA members and New Jersey companies, reinforcing the state’s role as a U.S. gateway for Indian investment and innovation.