Growing trade and tourism ties with India are driving economic growth in Louisiana. With ongoing investments from Indian firms and a focus on promoting the state as a top travel destination, Louisiana is strengthening its relationship with India, benefitting local businesses and rural communities.
In the first 11 months of 2024, over two million Indians visited the United States, reflecting a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth is part of a broader trend, with the number of Indian visitors to the United States increasing fivefold over the past four years. Capitalizing on this momentum, Louisiana is intensifying efforts to raise destination awareness among Indian visitors, who now make up the second-largest international market, after the United Kingdom (and excluding Mexico and Canada).
As part of these efforts, the Louisiana Office of Tourism launched its inaugural mission trip to Mumbai and Delhi, India, from September 23rd to September 27th, 2024. Led by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois, and several state partners, the delegation’s mission was to raise awareness of Louisiana as a potential travel destination and showcase the diverse range of tourism experiences the state offers to prospective Indian visitors. They pitched Louisiana as a must-visit location with its rich culture, world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations, delicious beignets, and vibrant jazz scene—offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Additionally, the delegation emphasized the state’s appeal as a convenient addition to any US travel itinerary, highlighting its accessible location and the newly renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport.
Louisiana’s focus on the Indian market goes beyond boosting tourism numbers; it is also aimed at driving economic growth. From 2019 to 2023, spending by Indian visitors in Louisiana rose by 54%, with 12% of that increase occurring between 2022 and 2023. In 2023 alone, Indian tourists spent $12 million in the state, contributing to job creation and supporting local businesses.
Louisiana is not only an emerging travel destination for Indians, but also a key business partner with strong trade ties and a growing hub for Indian investments. India ranks among the state’s top export partners, with the total value of commodities exceeding $2 billion. According to the World Trade Center of New Orleans, international trade supports one in every five jobs in Louisiana and plays a crucial role in the state’s economy. Specifically, the Trade Partnership Worldwide in Washington, DC estimates that in 2023, over 9,500 jobs in Louisiana were directly and indirectly supported by US exports to India. This represents a 248% increase from 2015, making Louisiana the US state with the largest percent increase in jobs supported by exports to India during this period.
In terms of investment capital, fDi Markets’ database reports $253.7 million worth of green field investment from India in Louisiana from 2003 to November 2024. Greenfield investment refers to investments directed toward the construction or expansion of new facilities, rather than the purchase or merger of existing companies. One such example is the Indian company Global Seamless Tubes and Pipes, which announced investment plans of $35 million to build its first US manufacturing facility in Northwest Louisiana in April 2024. This investment is predicted to bring 386 new jobs to the region, promoting economic growth in the rural community of Desoto Parish. Indian investment is welcomed by Louisiana, as evidenced by the incentives offered to the company, including a $1.25 million performance-based matching grant to cover the costs of improvements to roads, utilities, and facilities.
Louisiana’s growing relationship with India is fueling both tourism and economic development, showcasing the state’s increasing appeal as a travel destination and a business partner. With continued collaboration, Louisiana is well-positioned to strengthen its economic ties with India and to offer cultural and business opportunities for years to come.
Emma Potts is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Emma recently graduated from Columbia University, majoring in Political Science and East Asian Languages & Cultures.