Global Influence of the Indian IT Sector Discussed During First Ever Event Organized by ITServe Alliance at the Indian Consulate in New York

“I see the 2,200 companies that represent ITServe Alliance, mostly with Indian connection, Indian origin, serving this country in a very critical way, and serving India back home with critical services,” said Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India, an experienced diplomat and ambassador, in his inaugural address at the first-ever event hosted jointly by the Indian Consulate and ITServe Alliance at the iconic Ballroom of the Indian Consulate in New York on Friday August 29, 2025.



With focus on “Global Influence of the Indian IT Sector,” the event, organized by ITServe Alliance in coordination with the New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia Chapters of ITServe and their respective leaders, Baswa Shaker Shamshabad, Subrahmanyam Osuru, and Sitaram Mukkamala. The event was eloquently emceed by Hema Dommaraju and Rajasekhar Borusu.

Describing IT Sector as “a critical element, not only in our bilateral trade, but also overall bilateral relationship,” Ambassador Pradhan complemented ITServe and its member companies for their contributions to the growth of the US and Indian economies. “This is a moment of pride for me that we are doing the first event after 15 years of your existence. It should be a more regular affair than such a sporadic thing. I look forward to working very closely with ITServe. And, if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you.”



Ambassador Pradhan spoke extensively about the critical role being played by the IT industry led by India, fostering stronger ties between India and the United States. The career diplomat, who has served in Moscow, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Tanzania, where he helped establish India’s first overseas IIT campus, shared his insights on India-US partnerships and the vital role of the Indian diaspora in building global innovation.

Reflecting on the core dynamic role of ITServe Alliance, Vallbhaneni said, “ITServe is focused on three key areas: Protecting the small and medium-sized IT companies here in the United States, Providing a platform to do business at a minimum cost, and Helping our member companies to grow their business.”



Vallabhaneni enumerated on ITServe’s contributions towards Indo-US Partnership, the role of the Indian diaspora, especially in the area of IT services, job creation, scholarship funding, policy changes, business platforms, networking, regional meetings, global influence, bilateral relationships, technological advancement, economic growth, and community engagement through CSR activities.



“At ITServe, we are the voice of prestigious IT companies across the United States,” Vallabhaneni said. “Our respected platform fosters collaboration and initiates measures to protect shared interests and ensure collective success. By connecting with like-minded professionals, you can grow your business and navigate the fast-paced IT landscape with confidence.”

Amar Varada, past president of ITServe and Governing Board member said, “As the largest association of IT services, staffing, and consulting organizations in the U.S., ITServe Alliance is your gateway to growth and collaboration.”



Vinay Mahajan, Governing Board member and past President of ITServe, said, “Our robust platform supports networking, knowledge sharing, and advancing business interests, helping you thrive in a competitive market. Join and experience the benefits of being part of a powerful community committed to your success.”



In their ongoing commitment to give back to the community and to strengthen IT education, especially among the poorer communities towards STEM Education, the New York Chapter donated $5,000 to CUNY College in New York. The check was presented by Baswa, Hiren, Dev, Dilip, Asha, Sirtisha, and Raj in the presence of Vallabhaneni, Mahajan, Vararda, and Ambassador Pradhan to Pramita Sen, Director at CUNY.

“New York Chapter has indeed demonstrated remarkable leadership and innovation within the context of its chapter and beyond. Its ability to pioneer initiatives and consistently drive innovative activities sets it apart as a beacon within its community and serves as an inspiration for other chapters to follow suit. Being a torchbearer in this regard is a testament to the dedication and vision of #TeamNEWYORK,” said Shamshabad.

Osuru in his brief remarks, said, “Pradhan Ji, I am very thrilled to stand here in this Historical Hall, and we are very grateful for hosting us graciously this evening and coming forward to foster the strong relationship between our organizations. We are the voice of the immigrant majority Indians who are owning Small and Medium IT services and product companies here, empowering local employment, creating innovative products, and becoming a significant part of economic growth in this country and back home in India.”



“Our Philadelphia chapter serves as a hub for IT service and consulting firms in the Philadelphia area. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence, we aim to elevate the local IT industry through networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of IT in Philadelphia!” said Mukkamala.

In his passionate appeal for all to come and be part of the Synergy 2025, Manish Mehra, Synergy Director said, “Synergy 2025, ITServe Alliance’s annual conference is planned to be held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, PR, from December 4th - 5th, 2025. At Synergy, you will experience the energy, innovation, and connections that define Synergy! Being held for the first time outside of the United States mainland, Synergy 2025 offers a platform for 2,500 Member companies, sponsors, and leaders in the IT world to “Connect – Lead – Inspire.”

In his keynotes address, Anjan Lahiri, CEO of Navikebzand and co-founder of Mindtree spoke about Indian IT exports, software industry, global IT services, TCS, Infosys, AI transformation, .com era, technology design, India liberalization, temporary visas, business growth, strategic focus, productivity enhancement, knowledge work, and economic growth.

Lahiri highlighted the remarkable IT growth of India over the past quarter-century. He said, India’s IT industry has undergone remarkable growth since 1999, when software exports accounted for just $1.5 billion out of a $1 trillion global market. Today, Indian IT exports exceed $280 billion, making up nearly a quarter of the $1.2 trillion global IT services industry. He stated that since 1999, when software exports represented only $1.5 billion of the $1 trillion global market, India's IT industry has experienced significant and sustained growth.



This transformation was enabled by economic liberalization in 1991, which allowed Indian talent to engage in global technology design and services. Major companies like TCS and Infosys began by providing technical expertise before evolving into industry leaders. The .com boom and Y2K surge accelerated this progress, while temporary visas allowed Indian professionals to gain global experience.

Lahiri highlighted the ongoing impact of AI and productivity enhancements, noting that knowledge work is now being transformed like manual labor once was. Despite past disruptions, India’s IT sector remains resilient and adaptable, pointing toward a future where innovation and strategic focus will continue driving growth.



Sharing his personal experiences back in India as a student, and in various countries as India’s Envoy around the world, Ambassador Pradhan, who specializes in economic and energy diplomacy, said, “I feel very, very proud that you (IT sector) are serving to critical utilities, whether it is the Health Department, Education Department, transport department of the New York State, or, you know, servicing the fortune 500 companies, or providing services to the so called iconic companies of the United States. So I would say the role that you are playing is much bigger than 12 to $14 billion of revenue, because what you are doing is providing an essential service, a critical service, to the larger tech and ecosystem economic sector of this country.”

Pradhan stressed the critical role IT industry is providing to almost all areas of modern life, including applying for Visa Services. “You talk about any critical service that the government of India provides, you will find an essential IT linkage to that which has made it more efficient, which has made it more consumer friendly, even in people who are less educated, they are capable of delivering those services thanks to the simplicity that you bring in in terms of customer interface.”



Pradhan highlighted the vital services Indian Techs provided during the critical 2K related problems. “I still remember newspaper headlines that the US embassy and consulates creating a special window for visa. 50,000 Indian IT experts came to this country, fixed the problem, and not only in this country, but around the world, about 200,000 Indian IT, professionals visited the world solved the wider a problem. And if you go to chat GPT and ask which country played the leading role in resolving the 2k issue, and only name that's India. The Y 2k acted as India's launch pad to the global IT service arena and also to the American IT service arena, and it established our credibility as a reliable tech problem solving community.”



Pointing to how India has now come to be recognized as an “Information Technology Superpower,” Pradhan said, “I am talking about the wider appreciation that we have, about the global influence of the Indian IT sector. I am talking about that appreciation around the globe as to how India has now been accepted, not only in this country, but around the world, as the IT superpower.”



Referring to India’s commitment to fostering global technology leadership, Ambassador Pradhhan referred to the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Tanzania, when he was India’s Envoy to his African nation. “The President of Tanzania, influenced by India’s reputation in technology and the international presence of Indian CEOs, proposed the IIT partnership. The outcome not only strengthens technological ties but also showcases India’s ability to empower new generations of tech leaders across continents, positioning Indian institutes and professionals as the backbone of the global IT economy. “

Despite limited resources, India dedicated substantial effort and support for this initiative. The first batch at the Tanzanian IIT recently graduated, with studies focused on data science and artificial intelligence—subjects chosen in response to local demand. Many graduates have already secured positions in multinational companies, demonstrating the program’s impact. This success also offered India diplomatic benefits, as leaders recognized the vital role Indian IT professionals and IITs play globally, Pradhan pointed out.



Recalling the recent Global South meeting where 125 countries were part of, Pradhan referred to how India decided to become that voice of the Global South under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “I don't remember a single session where a country among the 125 countries would not have requested India to share something called DPI, the digital public infrastructure of India. And you are the community who have created that in India.”



Ambassador Pradhan went on to add that, “I would say if various people were asking various things, but I think overwhelming number of countries along the global south were expecting that India would share the IT expertise that it has acquired, that it has mastered with the Global South, so that their people can be connected to the delivery of services in a more efficient way and therapy of poor people can access it enabled services in their own countries. So that is, that is the brand value that you have created for India. And I have no hesitation to say that in this country, we get the dividend of that brand value that you have created.”



Founded in 2010, ITServe Alliance is the largest association of Information Technology Services Organizations functioning across the United States. Established with the objective of being the collective voice of all Information Technology companies with similar interests in the United States, ITServe Alliance has evolved as a resourceful and respected platform to collaborate and initiate measures in the direction of protecting common interests and ensuring collective success. For more information, please visit: www.itserve.org