Bellevue & National U.S. India Chambers of Commerce establish Northwest chapter

The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce, a subsidiary of the National U.S. India Chamber of Commerce (NUICC) are in the process of establishing a strategic partnership via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage and strengthen ties between the two countries.

"This partnership is a bridge fostering collaboration between two vibrant regions,” said Dr. Purnima Voria, founder and CEO of NUICC. “It addresses a 50-year gap in having a dedicated India Chamber to enhance the U.S.-India business relations in the Northwest."

As per the draft MOU, the main goals of the partnership are to ...

• Facilitate business opportunities for members in both the Northwest U.S. and India,
• Organize joint events such as trade missions (both ways), seminars, and networking forums,
• Exchange knowledge and best practices in business development and innovation,
• Promote economic growth and investment opportunities in both regions,
• And encourage cultural understanding to strengthen business relationships.

"We're eager to facilitate connections and promote this partnership within our thriving business community, said Joe Fain, President and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber. “This collaboration opens new doors for our local businesses, and we are grateful to be a part of that.”

The formal launch of the Northwest chapter and expected signing of the MOU is scheduled for September 2025 right here in Bellevue, where we will be joined by dignitaries from both countries. In the meantime, those interested in how they can leverage this partnership can contact either the NUICC or Bellevue Chamber.

The Background

Aligning with the inauguration of the Indian Consul in Seattle in 2024, as well as the first-ever India Day celebrations in Seattle and Bellevue, this partnership signals an intentional expansion of diplomatic e]orts in the Northwest.

Business between the U.S. and India totals up to about $200 billion a year, and that number is only growing thanks to synergistic industries such as AI, energy security, sustainability tech, defense manufacturing, and aerospace.

Thus, the Northwest Chapter of NUICC aims to be the primary point of contact for the Indian Consul General and other Indian government institutions on trade and investment matters, as well as a pipeline for businesses in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon.

View the MOU here, and feel free to use the photos linked here.