New Jersey & India: A Partnership Hitting its Stride

If you overhear someone in Mumbai or Bangalore talking about a “New Jersey,” don’t assume they‘re discussing Virat Kohli’s latest cricket kit. More than likely, they mean the State of New Jersey, India’s fourth-largest trading partner, according to fDi Markets, and home to the second-largest Indian-born population in the United States.

For the past few decades, the economic and cultural relationship between New Jersey and India has been steadily growing, with New Jersey becoming a magnet for Indian investment. The state currently ranks second for inward investment from India among Northeast states, and more than 190 Indian companies have operations here, including Wipro, HCL Tech, TCS, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Sonata Software, and Infosys. And many Indian companies in New Jersey are expanding. Enzene Biosciences, for example, announced plans to build a $50 million biopharma plant in Hopewell, and Biocon recently expanded its global footprint by establishing a 10,000-square-foot North American headquarters in Bridgewater.

With daily nonstop flights between Newark and several major Indian cities, New Jersey serves as a vital gateway between the United States and India. The New Jersey-India Commission, which was established by Governor Phil Murphy in February 2024, also aims to build cross-country connections and strengthen ties in commerce, culture, higher education, media, and philanthropy.

But the connection between New Jersey and India isn’t just about business – the Indian diaspora in New Jersey is thriving and making an indelible impression on the state’s culture.

Thriving Together in Community

Along Oak Tree Road, in Edison and Iselin, also known as “Little India,” you will find the largest Indian business hub in the United States. Nearby Montgomery Township, an affluent, diverse suburb, is also home to a growing Asian population. Families in the area flock there for its good schools, friendly, small-town energy, and safe streets.

Slightly to the south, Robbinsville boasts the world’s largest active temple complex, a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS) temple spread over 65.55 hectares (160+ acres), with a visitor center, exhibition hall, and youth activity center. And up north in Jersey City sits India Square, a stretch of Newark Avenue lined with Indian grocery stores, restaurants, shops, clothing stores, travel agencies, and temples.

Indian-Americans are increasingly making their influence felt throughout New Jersey, providing leadership not only within their own communities but across the state. They have taken on high-profile roles as mayors, legislators, regulators, and business leaders, shaping policies and driving innovation in areas like technology, economic development, social justice, and climate action. Upendra Chivukula was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2002 and now serves as a member of the state’s Board of Public Utilities, Vin Gopal has represented Legislative District 11 in the New Jersey State Senate since 2014, and Raj Mukherji has served in the state legislature since 2014, first in the General Assembly and now in the State Senate. They are joined by fellow pioneers like Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh, the first Sikh woman to be named mayor in the history of the state.

The accomplishments and contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Jersey exemplify the impact of our strong cultural ties. More than an economic connection, New Jersey and India’s relationship is a vibrant, evolving partnership that improves lives, drives progress, and enables prosperity across borders. As these ties continue to strengthen, our partnership is firmly on the front foot, knocking down wickets and setting the stage for sustained growth and shared success.