Presented by Miller & Martin, the program offered attendees valuable insights into India’s diplomatic priorities and its growing engagement with the Southeastern United States. A career diplomat since 2005, Consul General Lakshmanan shared his experiences and perspectives on fostering India–U.S. relations, particularly in the context of Georgia’s expanding international business landscape.
The Consul General highlighted the consulate’s strategic focus on three key sectors: trade, tourism, and technology. Now in its 13th year serving the Southeast and Atlanta, the Indian Consulate has played a central role in advancing bilateral ties. Notably, business between India and the U.S. has grown by 20% over the past five years.
Indian companies have made significant economic contributions to Georgia, investing heavily and driving job creation across the state. The state is home to 19 Indian companies, the highest number in the Southern United States, with 73% of those investments rooted in the information technology sector.
The Indian-American community is also key to Georgia’s evolving demographic and cultural fabric. In Gwinnett County, Indian-Americans represent a significant portion of the Asian population, which accounted for 13.22% of the county’s residents as of 2020.
The Consular Conversations event spotlighted the dynamic and growing influence of the Indian community in Georgia. With continued engagement between Indian diplomatic missions and local leaders, the momentum is strong for deepening ties, strengthening economic partnerships, and celebrating the contributions of one of Georgia’s most vibrant international communities.
