HOUSTON, TEXAS — Houston’s international business community came together in grand fashion Saturday, August 29, as the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) hosted its 2026 Annual Day Gala and Awards Banquet at the Hilton Americas-Houston.

The elegant evening brought entrepreneurs, corporate executives, elected officials, community leaders and international partners under one roof to celebrate achievement, deepen relationships and reaffirm Houston’s increasingly important place in the evolving India-U.S. economic partnership.

And after more than a quarter-century of building bridges, IACCGH proved once again that sometimes the shortest distance between Houston and India is a handshake.

Founded in 1999, IACCGH emerged during a transformative period when India was opening its economy to greater global investment and Houston businesses were increasingly looking beyond traditional borders for new markets. Since then, the Chamber has grown into one of Greater Houston’s important connectors between Indo-American entrepreneurs, major corporations, governmental institutions and emerging business leaders.

 IACCGH - Connects Business Across Borders and Beyond at 2026 Houston Gala

Its mission remains straightforward but powerful: facilitate commerce between the United States and India, expand access to Indo-American markets, advocate for the Indo-American business community and help Greater Houston businesses and professionals succeed.

At the 2026 gala, Consul General D.C. Manjunath underscored how much opportunity remains ahead.

His remarks highlighted possibilities for deeper collaboration in technology, healthcare, energy and education as India advances its ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 vision — a national strategy aimed at transforming India into a fully developed economy by the 100th anniversary of its independence.

Those sectors also happen to read like Houston’s résumé.

From the Texas Medical Center and Houston’s globally dominant energy ecosystem to its expanding technology, manufacturing and higher-education sectors, Houston is strategically positioned to play a meaningful role in the next generation of India-U.S. commerce.

The evening also celebrated entrepreneurs who have turned opportunity into measurable success.

Sunny Bathija, founder of Satya Inc., was honored as IACCGH’s 2026 Businessman of the Year, while Tina Khatri, CEO of TDK Construction, received recognition as Businesswoman of the Year.

Longtime Houston entrepreneur Bal Sareen, founder of Brask Inc., was recognized for his distinguished business career and contributions to the petrochemical industry and Indo-American community. William T. Harris and Milton Thibodeaux were also honored for their leadership and contributions to Greater Houston’s business landscape.

The gala welcomed prominent civic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, further illustrating IACCGH’s longstanding ability to connect business leadership with government, diplomacy and community engagement.

That connection matters.

IACCGH’s work extends far beyond one glamorous evening. Throughout the year, the organization supports international trade missions, entrepreneurship, small-business development, supplier diversity, women and youth empowerment, education and leadership development.

Historically, the Chamber has also helped foster institutional relationships, including connections involving Houston’s world-class healthcare community and counterparts in India. Each partnership represents another building block in a relationship that has evolved from cultural connection into substantial economic opportunity.

The 2026 gala ultimately served as both celebration and statement.

Houston is one of America’s most international cities. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. And between them stands an organization that has spent 27 years connecting people who see borders not as barriers, but as business opportunities waiting to be explored.

For IACCGH, the evening celebrated what has already been accomplished.

But judging from the energy inside the Hilton Americas-Houston, the best chapters of the Houston–India business story may still be ahead.

Learn More: https://www.iaccgh.com/

Watch the Full Gala Video:
https://youtu.be/hKJx2rPx87w