A strong push to deepen economic and technology ties between India and the US Pacific Northwest took shape in Seattle with the successful hosting of a key investment forum focused on high-growth sectors and cross-border collaboration.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with the Montana World Affairs Council and ZOHO, hosted the 2nd edition of the Invest India Business Forum (IIBF) on January 24, 2026, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, Washington. The event brought together CEOs, senior executives, and local leaders from the Greater Seattle region.
Senior leaders from multinational companies including Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and T-Mobile attended the forum, along with regional dignitaries. According to a statement from the Consulate, industry experts shared insights on investment opportunities in India across Artificial Intelligence, Photonics, Quantum Computing, Ag-Tech, Healthcare, and Higher Education, while outlining progress and future growth potential in these sectors.
Building on the forum’s momentum, Greater Seattle Partners, along with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, will lead Washington State’s largest trade mission to India from January 28 to February 7, 2026. The delegation will include over 30 members representing the Port of Seattle, the City of Bellevue’s Economic Development team, the Mayor of Redmond, and senior leadership from Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. Rebecca Lovell, Interim President and CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, addressed the forum and expressed confidence in strengthening commercial and investment ties between Seattle and India.
The event also showcased Indian export-ready products for the US Pacific Northwest market. These included premium Indian “Bhagwa Variety” pomegranates, expected to reach US retail stores soon.
“These Bhagwa variety of Indian pomegranates produced in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, are renowned worldwide for their rich flavor, deep red color and high nutritional value,” the statement said. “Since India is one of the leading producers of pomegranates in the world, there has been an increased demand in recent years after US granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2023.”
Additional displays featured ODOP cultural heritage products from all 28 states of India, Araku coffee from the Eastern Ghats, and a selection of Indian wines and hand-crafted spirits.
Eric Wexler, CEO of Providence, highlighted India’s healthcare potential and spoke about Providence’s Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, which is expected to create over 2,000 jobs and focus on AI-enabled healthcare technology solutions.
A ZOHO representative showcased India’s use of AI-driven, locally developed data models to support digital self-reliance and data sovereignty, noting recent adoption of Zoho’s Office Suite by the Government of India.
The forum also welcomed senior leaders from the Montana World Affairs Council and highlighted a recent youth delegation visit to India, hosted by Montana State Governor Greg Gianforte in Helena.
The Invest India Business Forum aimed to advance economic engagement by promoting investment opportunities, exports, and industry partnerships, supporting the Consulate’s focus on the “3Ts – Trade, Tourism, and Technology.”
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