Delaware Companies Expand into India with Support from Export Delaware

Posted on May 15, 2026

Two Delaware small businesses recently traveled to India with Export Delaware to explore one of the world’s most complex and promising international markets. With its vast population, highly regional business environment, and strong concentration of scientific and technical expertise, India represents both a significant opportunity and a formidable challenge for U.S. exporters.

Over the course of a week, the participating companies engaged in nearly 30 meetings with potential partners, distributors, and industry stakeholders. With support from Export Delaware and the State’s in-country trade representative office, SRK International Business Consultants, both companies returned with meaningful progress and clear next steps toward entering the market.

Aqua Science Identifies Strong Distribution Partner

Aqua Science, based in Newark, Delaware, manufactures reagents used to test water toxicity. Owner and CEO Iwona Evans joined the trip with a clear objective: identify a qualified distributor to represent Aqua Science’s products in India.

To support this goal, SRK developed a targeted meeting agenda and coordinated introductions with several vetted distributor candidates. Aqua Science also exhibited at the AQUAMATE Conference in New Delhi, where the company showcased its solutions and connected with a wide range of prospective partners.

“We met with quite a few qualified potential distributors,” said Evans. “It was difficult to decide which one to go with.”

After meeting with multiple strong candidates, Aqua Science ultimately selected a firm that demonstrated both technical expertise and strong local connections.

“It is very rare to have so many good candidates,” admitted Evans.

During their meeting, the selected distributor brought a team of 12 engineers, signaling both capacity and a clear understanding of Aqua Science’s products. The presence of team members with prior government experience further reinforced their ability to navigate the local market.

“They are exactly what we need in India,” said Evans.

In addition to distributor meetings, the AQUAMATE trade show provided valuable exposure. Aqua Science’s booth attracted strong interest, particularly from organizations focused on their toxicity solutions and research and development initiatives.

Overall, the trip delivered strong results. Evans also emphasized the value of on-the-ground support from SRK throughout the process.

“They were present for any virtual meetings we had,” said Evans. “They checked in before and after each meeting to ensure everything was going as planned.”

Evans plans to return to India in the fall to train the new distributor, with expectations of generating sales within the next 18 months.

Batta Environmental Builds Momentum in a Complex Market

Batta Environmental of Newark, Delaware, also participated in the trip. The firm provides very unique treatment systems for indoor air and water pollution. Senior Vice President Neeraj Batta understands the complexity of doing business in the region.

“Everything is so regional in India,” says Batta. “There is not ‘one India’ but many different states and even 17 different languages!”

Despite these challenges, the trip proved highly productive. SRK worked closely with Batta Environmental to develop a customized meeting schedule aligned with the company’s services and growth goals.

“SRK was great,” said Batta. “They took their time to understand what we do and studied our company and products.”

The Kanetkar sisters, who lead SRK, brought a detailed and strategic approach to planning the visit, ensuring that each meeting was relevant and worthwhile.

“All the meetings were of value,” said Batta.

Building on this momentum, Batta plans to return to India in June to deepen relationships with key stakeholders and government leaders across several cities. The goal is to secure a portfolio of 15–20 project sites.

“India is the kind of country you need to go back to,” Batta noted, adding that the next trip has the potential to be a “game-changing” step for the company.

Lowering Barriers to Global Growth

Both companies were able to participate in the trip with support from the Compass Grant, a key program administered by Export Delaware. The grant covered 50% of eligible travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, and related costs. For Aqua Science, it also covered 50% of trade show exhibition fees.

In addition, Export Delaware covered 100% of the costs associated with working with SRK, removing a common barrier for small businesses seeking expert, in-market guidance. By offsetting both travel and consulting expenses, the program enables Delaware companies to pursue international opportunities with greater confidence and reduced financial risk.

Through initiatives like the Compass Grant and coordinated business trips, Export Delaware continues to play a critical role in helping local companies expand globally—turning complex markets like India into tangible opportunities for growth.