Washington, April 10: After his first official overseas trip, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer is betting on India’s economic growth to bring investment and innovation to his state. He views this partnership as a long-term economic strategy.
In a special interview, Governor Meyer stated, “This was my first official trip abroad as governor.” He discussed his recent visit to India, designed to prioritize tangible connections over mere symbolism.
Meyer emphasized, “We embarked on a journey focused on building real relationships, not just media opportunities, but genuine connections that create real opportunities for Delaware and strengthen the partnership between India and the United States.”
The choice of India was deliberate. He described it as the world’s most populous country, the largest democracy, and one of the most dynamic places for innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, and growth.
During his visit, Meyer traveled to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The trip aimed to attract investment, establish research partnerships, and position Delaware as a destination for Indian companies expanding in the U.S.
Meyer reported “incredible achievements” from the trip, highlighting agreements in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. A Delaware company signed a deal with a major Indian solar energy provider to integrate hydrogen technology into renewable energy systems. He noted, “This is merging hydrogen energy with green solar energy, which is spreading across India.”
The governor also pointed out the growing interest among Indian companies in starting businesses in Delaware. Citing a renewable energy company, he mentioned that its officials plan to visit the state to select a suitable location for manufacturing as they aim to expand into Delaware.
Another potential investment came from an international medical air transport provider. Meyer stated, “They are interested in starting operations in the U.S. Like many other companies, they are choosing Delaware.”
A significant outcome of the trip was a formal partnership between Hyderabad’s T-Hub and Delaware’s economic development agency, Delaware Prosperity Partnership. Meyer noted, “That partnership is already yielding results; Indian startups want to expand beyond their borders, and U.S. companies want to partner in Indian markets.”
He also highlighted engagement with India’s technology industry body, stating, “We had excellent meetings with NASSCOM leadership and nearly 15 major Indian companies. Some of them are already planning to visit Delaware to continue discussions.”
Beyond business deals, Meyer framed the trip as part of a broader economic synergy between democracies. He said, “When democracies work together across borders, we can create jobs, expand opportunities, and tackle the world’s biggest challenges.”
He discussed India’s economic transformation, stating, “India has an incredible growth story. Many people are continuously rising out of poverty.” Meyer expressed his goal to ensure Delaware is part of that journey.
Addressing Indian businesses directly, he stated, “Delaware is the number one place for companies to incorporate; more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies call Delaware their corporate home.”
He added, “We are trying to convey that this is not just a place to file your corporate legal work. It is also a fantastic location to open headquarters, very business-friendly, with both public and private sectors working hard to ensure your business can thrive.”
Meyer emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping the state’s economic environment. He noted, “Indian Americans come to Delaware and excel in nearly every sector, including medical, legal, finance, IT and tech, chemical industries, and even the political space.”
He suggested that this success could serve as a bridge for future investments and collaborations, asking, “How do we ensure more Indians choose Delaware?”
Additionally, Meyer hinted at a broader policy environment. He remarked, “I am not a fan of many of my president’s policies. We need to reduce barriers, create incentives for Indian investors, and lower the costs for Delaware companies venturing into India.”
He acknowledged that federal actions could impact perceptions abroad. Meyer said, “I think that’s bad. It is certainly concerning that these issues are harming our relationships with countries like India.”
Nevertheless, he underscored the importance of state-level engagement in maintaining relationships. He stated, “America is not just what you see on TV. There are states here that are open for business.” He described this approach as a balance to uncertainties in national policies.
The trip included meetings with senior Indian leaders, including the foreign minister and ministers related to science, technology, and education, as well as state-level leadership in Maharashtra and Telangana, showcasing a multi-layered engagement strategy.
Looking ahead, Meyer stated that this trip should be seen as a starting point rather than a one-time initiative. He said, “The goal of this trip is to build a relationship; it is a significant leap in the ongoing relationship between India and Delaware.”
Delaware’s outreach reflects a broader trend among U.S. states, which are directly engaging with foreign partners to attract investment, talent, and technology. Despite its small size, Delaware is recognized for its corporate-friendly legal system and registered companies.
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