BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Atlanta, GA, April 29, 2025: Business leaders, legal experts, and investors gathered on April 22, 2025, at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead for an exclusive seminar titled “Exploring India’s Growth Trajectory: Opportunities & Insights.” The event was organized by the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Atlanta, and Trilegal, one of India’s leading law firms.
The evening opened with a vibrant networking session over drinks and appetizers, setting a welcoming tone for the discussions ahead.
Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India to the Southeastern United States, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the growing significance of Indo-American economic ties. Speaking exclusively to NRI Pulse, he said, “The Government of India has undertaken sweeping reforms to improve the ease of doing business. Today, India offers not only one of the largest markets in the world, but also a transparent, rules-based environment that global investors are increasingly seeking.” Highlighting the strategic importance of stronger commercial partnerships, Consul General Lakshmanan added, “We are delighted to see Trilegal and GIACC organize this important session in Atlanta. It reflects the growing momentum in India-U.S. economic relations, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, semiconductors, electric mobility, and AI.”
The centerpiece of the evening was a comprehensive presentation by Trilegal’s senior partners — Nikhil Sachdeva, Rishi Jain, and Yogesh Singh — who shared valuable insights into India’s rapidly expanding economy. They discussed key growth drivers, high-potential sectors benefiting from government initiatives, and strategies for navigating India’s regulatory framework.
Nikhil Sachdeva, speaking to NRI Pulse, noted, “Sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, and battery manufacturing are where India is offering strong incentives. Serious investors are taking note.” Drawing on his experience advising sectors such as fintech, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and real estate, he highlighted the complexities of Indian regulatory requirements and the rise of innovative deal structures.
Rishi Jain, with over 16 years of expertise in M&A and private equity, spoke to NRI Pulse about venture capital trends and deal-making intricacies across industries like IT, logistics, and education. He said, “Partnering with the Consulate General and GIACC made today possible. We had a great turnout and fielded many questions on setting up businesses in India, resolving disputes, and navigating regulatory processes.”
Yogesh Singh, head of Trilegal’s Corporate Practice Group, emphasized issues around distressed asset transactions, strategic employment matters, and compliance, especially in defense and technology sectors. Speaking to NRI Pulse, he remarked, “India is actively building a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. While it will take time to fully mature, the commitment and groundwork are undeniable.” When asked about India’s position compared to China, Singh emphasized, “India offers democratic stability, transparency, and a maturing investment climate — factors that global companies are increasingly prioritizing.”
Tony Balloon, Partner at Alston & Bird, brought a U.S. legal perspective to the conversation, drawing on two decades of advising clients in cross-border fintech and market entry matters. He shared, “From what I’m seeing among clients worldwide, India will be the biggest beneficiary of the U.S.’ pivot away from China. It’s already happening.” He further emphasized India’s leadership in digital innovation, particularly in fintech: “The entire world has spent over a decade trying to displace Visa and Mastercard. UPI is the only system that’s done it successfully. And now, India is looking to export that innovation globally.”
The speakers also examined the evolving corporate governance landscape in India, discussing how frameworks are adapting to the new realities of global business. A major highlight was the growing importance of data privacy, particularly in light of India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which is poised to reshape compliance practices in mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Sreejan Shandilya, Deputy Consul General, echoed the Consul General’s sentiments. Speaking to NRI Pulse, he said, “It’s a collective endeavor by the entire Consulate team to promote India’s growth story and to build deep-rooted ties across the Southeastern United States.” He further stated that India’s ambition to achieve $500 billion in bilateral trade with the U.S. is “well within reach” given the current trajectory, adding, “Investments today are built on trust, opportunity, and transparency. India delivers on all three.”
GIACC President Jay Joshi underlined the chamber’s commitment to strengthening economic ties between Georgia and India. Speaking with NRI Pulse, he said, “Our chamber’s mission is to promote bilateral trade between Georgia and India. Events like these, where companies receive direct, practical advice, are invaluable. Trilegal’s presence here, supported by the Consulate General, shows the serious commitment on both sides.” Joshi further noted, “If major companies like Apple can manufacture in India, it signals the scale of opportunity available.”
As the seminar drew to a close, Trilegal’s Yogesh Singh emphasized the firm’s intention to build lasting relationships within the Southeastern U.S. business community. Speaking to NRI Pulse, he said, “We recognize Georgia’s vibrant business ecosystem and are here to engage more actively.”
Following the presentations, an engaging Q&A session allowed the audience to interact directly with the speakers, exploring specific challenges and opportunities related to doing business in India. The evening concluded with another round of networking over drinks and appetizers, fostering new connections and potential collaborations.
