July 15, 2025 | Chicago
USISPF, in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology, was delighted to have hosted a luncheon roundtable with Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01), a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, alongside business and academic leaders from the Chicago area.
Congressman Jackson spoke passionately about the importance of the US-India relationship, reflecting on its deep historical and cultural roots: “People needed to know what made India great: the diversity, the plurality… People needed to know what India had provided to us: from the culture and spirituality to the talent that drove innovation in technology and contributed to the American economy. The US-India relationship was one that inspired each other. Gandhi was inspired by Thoreau, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was inspired by Gandhi.”
Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Tech, emphasized the strategic rationale behind Illinois Tech becoming the first U.S. university approved to establish a campus in Mumbai, India – a landmark moment in US-India education collaboration. “With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry-aligned education, Illinois Tech brought a world-class education model to India and created new pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development that benefited both nations,” he said.
Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President & CEO of USISPF, underlined the enduring strength of the US-India partnership and the vital role of the Indian American community in shaping bilateral ties. He spoke about the need for deeper geopolitical alignment between both democracies for shared prosperity and to counter shared global challenges.
We thanked Congressman Jackson for his time and insights, Raj Echambadi for being a gracious host, and all our members and guests who joined us for this insightful discussion on advancing economic, educational, and strategic cooperation between the United States and India.