NJ S2784

Establishes the New Jersey-India Commission as a permanent body within the Department of State, continuing a commission originally created by Executive Order No. 354 in February 2024.

Commission membership consists of 35-45 members appointed by the Governor, with eight members recommended by the Legislature (four from the Senate President, four from the Assembly Speaker) beginning January 1, 2028.

Commission purposes include advancing bilateral trade and investment, encouraging mutual economic support, promoting cultural and educational exchanges in research, science, and technology, and studying policy issues of mutual interest.

New Jersey is home to approximately 400,000 Indian-Americans, and India is the state's second-largest foreign direct investor; a 2019 trade mission to India secured over 1,200 new jobs from three Indian company expansions.

Commission members serve without compensation, may establish subcommittees, are authorized to raise funds through solicitation and accept grants, and must submit biennial reports to the Governor and Legislature.