On Friday, April 13, I had the honor of hosting the Honorable Union Minister of Power from India, Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde. We organized a private lunch with the US India Business Council and met for lunch at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
Shinde’s ministry is responsible for all power generation and distribution in India, other than nuclear or non-conventional power. Attendees include many investors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, large firm attorneys, investment bankers and government officials with an interest in upgrading India’s electric power infrastructure. Minister Shinde is a native of the western state of Maharashtra where he started his career in police and the courts. He’s been Chief Minister of that state (which is like an American Governor). He has also held power posts in his political party including managing the election campaign of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, back in 1999. Shinde has been a member of India’s lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha and also its upper house, the Rajya Sabha.
Corporate executives in the room were impressed with his knowledge of technical and business issues relating to Power. He was accompanied by senior bureaucrats and by the Chairman of India’s Power Grid Corporation who provided additional insight as needed. This was minister Shinde’s second trip to Los Angeles since becoming Power Minister.
What this means:
American companies who wish to participate in India massive expansion of electrical power infrastructure can be assured of opportunities in power generation, grid management, software, equipment, perhaps even in turnkey distribution can be assured of a serious dialog when they visit India.
