Today, in a formal ceremony held in Mumbai, India, Governor Kim Reynolds and the Honorable Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of the State of Maharashtra, officially signed a Partner State memorandum of understanding, marking a new era of collaboration between the two entities.
The agreement was signed during Governor Reynolds’ trade and investment mission to India, which includes a 20-member delegation representing Iowa’s agriculture, education, and government sectors. This partnership was celebrated with business leaders, trade representatives, and academic institutions committed to fostering bilateral growth.
“Iowa is proud to partner with Maharashtra, one of India’s most dynamic states,” Governor Kim Reynolds said. “This agreement is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic commitment to advancing innovation, driving economic prosperity, and fostering global collaboration. By working together, we can unlock new industrial, educational and agricultural opportunities that will benefit both our regions. I look forward to building on this partnership through continued dialogue, joint initiatives, and meaningful exchange between our governments, institutions and businesses.”
"This partnership with Iowa is a forward-looking step that brings together our complementary strengths in agriculture, education, clean energy and innovation. It is a practical roadmap that will connect our farmers, students, entrepreneurs and open new avenues of trade, research and cultural exchange," Chief Minister Fadnavis said. "Together, we will turn this agreement into real opportunities for our people and a stronger bridge between Maharashtra and Iowa."
The strategic partnership between Iowa and Maharashtra aims to deepen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, education and renewable energy. It will also promote cultural exchanges, workforce development, and mutual investment opportunities, with a focus on expanding foreign direct investment and trade between the two regions.