IACC Rajasthan Chapter launched in Jaipur to boost Indo-US trade ties
Synopsis
At the IACC Rajasthan Chapter launch in Jaipur, National Past President Bhasin made a striking appeal to the US Embassy: stop calling India a 'hell hole' and stop comparing it with China. With Deputy CM Diya Kumari and a senior US Embassy official on the dais, the launch blended trade diplomacy with a pointed defence of India's democratic credentials.
Key Takeaways
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) launched its Rajasthan Chapter in Jaipur on 28 April 2025 .
Bhasin , IACC National Past President, urged the US Embassy to convey that India is a 'whole' nation — not a 'hell hole' — and should not be compared with China .
Diya Kumari , Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan , attended as Chief Guest and called the launch a "moment of pride".
Jonathan Heimer , Minister-Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy , attended as Guest of Honour and underlined the long-term value of the India–US partnership.
The Rajasthan Chapter aims to position the state as a global hub for trade, innovation, and investment, with a focus on start-ups, technology partnerships, and policy dialogue.
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) formally launched its Rajasthan Chapter on Tuesday, 28 April in Jaipur, aiming to strengthen Indo-US trade and investment ties at the state level and create a dedicated platform for business collaboration, policy dialogue, and global partnerships. The launch marked a significant step in deepening bilateral economic engagement beyond the national level.
India a 'Whole' Nation, Not a 'Hell Hole': IACC Leader
Bhasin, the National Past President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, delivered one of the most pointed remarks of the evening, urging that India's global image be presented accurately. He directly requested Jonathan Heimer, Minister-Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the United States Embassy, to convey to the US government that India is not a 'hell hole' and should not be compared with China.
Bhasin asserted that India is
Point of View
Particularly as US tariff and trade policy grows more transactional. Directing that appeal at a serving US Embassy official in a public forum is unusual and signals that industry leaders feel the diplomatic channel alone is insufficient. The IACC's decision to expand to Rajasthan is strategically timed: the state has been aggressively courting foreign investment under the Bharatiya Janata Party government, and a US-facing chamber gives that pitch institutional credibility. Whether the chapter translates into actual deal flow — rather than another MoU graveyard — will be the real measure of its value.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IACC Rajasthan Chapter launched in Jaipur?
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) Rajasthan Chapter is a state-level platform launched on 28 April 2025 in Jaipur to strengthen Indo-US trade, investment, and business collaboration. It aims to connect Rajasthan's industry with US markets and support start-ups in accessing global opportunities.
What did IACC's Bhasin say about India being a 'hell hole'?
IACC National Past President Bhasin urged Jonathan Heimer, Minister-Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy, to convey to the US government that India is not a 'hell hole' and should not be compared with China. He described India as a 'whole' nation committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and economic growth.
Who attended the IACC Rajasthan Chapter launch ceremony?
Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Diya Kumari attended as Chief Guest, while Jonathan Heimer, Minister-Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the United States Embassy, was the Guest of Honour. Industry leaders and entrepreneurs were also present.
What is the goal of the IACC Rajasthan Chapter?
The chapter aims to position Rajasthan as a global hub for trade, innovation, and investment by fostering collaboration among industry, government, and international stakeholders. It will also support start-ups in accessing global markets and facilitate technology partnerships and policy dialogue.
What did Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari say at the IACC launch?
Diya Kumari described the launch as a 'moment of pride' and said the Rajasthan Chapter is an important step in bringing Indo-US collaboration to the state level. She highlighted Rajasthan's strong infrastructure and progressive policies as drivers of accelerated growth.
