AMCHAM’s Eastern Region started its operation in 2006 and serves as an important platform for promoting U.S.-India commercial and policy engagement in the region. With a long and well-established legacy, the region has grown alongside the evolving industrial and services landscape of eastern India. It supports member companies through policy dialogue, thought leadership, and regular engagement with key stakeholders.

Based in Kolkata, the region plays a strategic role in connecting industry with policymakers, regulators, and thought leaders at the state and national levels.

Programs and Activities in 2025

During 2025, the Eastern Region organized several high-impact programs focused on macroeconomic policy, trade, and emerging business challenges. Key initiatives included:

• Pre-Budget Session – “Mapping the Macros in India on the Eve of the Union Budget”: Featuring Mr. Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington DC. The discussion examined India’s macroeconomic outlook, regional geopolitics, employment challenges, and renewable energy priorities ahead of Union Budget 2025.
• Post-Budget Session – “Union Budget 2025: Some Insights and Important Takeaways for the Industry Players”: With Dr. Urjit Patel, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. The session offered a detailed assessment of fiscal consolidation, growth priorities, trade-related risks, and regulatory reforms relevant to industry.
• Webinars on Reciprocal U.S. Tariffs (April 2025): Two dedicated webinars on the impact of reciprocal U.S. tariffs on Indian exports and the broader U.S.–India economic partnership. The sessions featured senior industry leaders including Mr. Sunil Mehta, Past Chairman, AMCHAM, Mr. Salil Gupte, (then) Chairman, AMCHAM, and experts from Goldman Sachs. Discussions covered sector-specific impacts, trade strategy, and global macroeconomic risks.
• Thought Leadership Series Session: A session featuring Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, focusing on India’s global economic positioning, supply chains, energy transition, and long-term growth drivers.
• Virtual Panel Discussion – “Future-Ready Workplaces”: A panel on ‘Future-Ready Workplaces: Leveraging Innovation and Inclusion to Drive Productivity,’ bringing together senior HR and industry leaders to discuss AI adoption, workforce transformation, diversity, and skills development.

Economic Affairs and Policy Advocacy

Economic affairs and policy advocacy remain central to the Eastern Region’s work. The region actively contributes to AMCHAM’s national advocacy agenda by facilitating informed discussions on macroeconomic policy, trade, the investment climate, and regulatory reform.

One of the key ongoing initiatives is the ‘U.S. Industry in India: Skill Development and Employment Impact Survey’, which aims to generate credible, data-driven insights to support constructive policy engagement.

The region also maintains regular interaction with state government departments and the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, reinforcing its role as a trusted and credible industry interlocutor.

Planned Activities and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Eastern Region plans to significantly expand its scale and depth of engagement. Key initiatives include:

• A flagship AI Roundtable Series across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and human resources, with a strong emphasis on practical insights and policy relevance.
• A Thought Leadership Lecture by Dr. Viral V. Acharya, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Post-budget analysis sessions and dedicated budget outreach programs for member companies.
• Collaborative programs with the Government of West Bengal and continued policy dialogues to further enhance the Chapter’s relevance and impact.

The Eastern Region of AMCHAM India is entering a phase of renewed momentum, with a clear focus on thought leadership, policy advocacy, and delivering value to its members. Building on its strong foundation and recent achievements, the regional office is well placed to deepen industry–government engagement, respond to emerging economic and technological challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the U.S.-India economic partnership in eastern India.