The Consulate General of India in Los Angeles hosted its first major official event at its new Downtown Los Angeles office, marking an important moment for Indian American civic engagement and US-India economic collaboration on the West Coast.
The convening, held in partnership with India International Impact and the American South Asian Network (ASAN), brought together leaders from government, trade, culture, and the South Asian diaspora to reflect on India’s growing global role and Los Angeles’ position as a critical gateway for international engagement.
Setting the tone
The evening opened with remarks from Ed Altman, who welcomed attendees and framed the gathering around collaboration, global connectivity, and the role Los Angeles plays as a bridge between regions and markets. His remarks set the tone for an evening focused on long-term partnership rather than one-off convenings.
A milestone moment for India in Los Angeles
Welcoming guests, K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, highlighted India’s rapid economic growth and its emergence as one of the world’s largest economies. He spoke about the expanding role of the Los Angeles consulate in serving the Indian diaspora while strengthening trade, investment, and institutional ties across the region.
The new Downtown office reflects India’s long-term commitment to Los Angeles as a strategic hub for diplomacy, commerce, and people-to-people connections across Southern California and the broader Southwest.
Leaders across sectors in attendance
The event brought together a diverse group of civic and economic leaders, underscoring the breadth of collaboration between India and the United States.
- Eric Garcetti, former U.S. Ambassador to India and former Mayor of Los Angeles, reflected on the evolution of U.S.–India relations and the growing importance of city-level partnerships in shaping global outcomes.
- Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, emphasized the port’s role in global supply chains and its relevance to expanding trade between India and the U.S. West Coast.
- Richard Drobnick, host of the Asian Pacific Business Forum podcast, shared perspectives on how diaspora networks help accelerate cross-border business and investment.
- Anjali Sharan, Executive Director of Asia Society Southern California, spoke to the importance of cultural exchange as a foundation for lasting institutional and economic relationships.
Representing the City of Los Angeles, Wajenda Chambeshi, Director of International Relations for the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, highlighted Los Angeles’ growing engagement with global partners. Chris Wilken of the U.S. Department of Commerce discussed the role of federal trade infrastructure in supporting international business collaboration.
Cultural programming by sarod player Stephen Day added an artistic dimension to the evening, reinforcing the role of culture in diplomacy. Nitin Bajaj, host of The INDUStry Show, represented diaspora media and community leadership, underscoring the importance of storytelling in shaping visibility and momentum.
Looking ahead to global moments
The conversation also looked to the future, with reflections on Los Angeles preparing to host the 2028 Olympic Games and India’s public interest in bidding for a future Olympics. The parallel timelines highlighted opportunities for collaboration around infrastructure, innovation, and global engagement as both regions prepare for major international moments.
Why this gathering matters
More than a ceremonial launch, the event signaled the formation of long-term infrastructure for collaboration. The presence of port leadership, city officials, commerce representatives, and cultural institutions pointed to a shared focus on practical outcomes, sustained engagement, and regional impact.
For South Asian communities across Southern California and the Southwest, the message was clear. India’s expanded diplomatic presence in Los Angeles is not symbolic. It is operational, forward-looking, and grounded in building durable partnerships that connect civic leadership, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange.
Photo credits: Urbanite LA
