SAINT PAUL, MINN. –House DFL Leader Paul Thissen will travel to India next week to build stronger government relationships with India as part of a first-of-its-kind trip sponsored by the United States Department of State and in coordination with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thissen was chosen along with Sen. Ellen Roberts, a Republican State Senator from Colorado.
From October 5 through October 10, Thissen and Sen. Roberts will meet with Members of India's Parliament, state legislators, academics and students at universities, and members of the civil society to talk about strengthening democracy.
“Minnesota has strong connections to India and I am excited to help strengthen those relationships even further,” said Thissen. “I look forward to comparing notes on significant issues that challenge any large democracy, including the role of religion, the role of income inequality, and the need to promote business development. In an increasingly interconnected world and global economy, few conversations could be more important."
Many of the largest Fortune 500 companies and numerous small businesses in Minnesota have grown and thrived because of the talent of Indian immigrants to Minnesota and their children and grandchildren Over 40,000 people of Indian descent or from India reside in the state. During the trip, Rep. Thissen will also meet with leaders of Minnesota companies doing business in India including Carlson, Cargill and others.