New Delhi, March 21–22, 2025 — In a significant stride toward deepening U.S.-India collaboration in the real estate sector, a high-level delegation from Chicago, comprising leaders from the Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals (ASARP) and Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (MRED), actively participated in NARVIGATE 2025, the 17th Annual Convention of NAR India. Held at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi, the event marked a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral engagement, fostering cross-border transactions, and accelerating the introduction of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) frameworks in India.
The delegation, led by Mr. Pradeep B. Shukla, Chairman of ASARP, Director at MRED LLC, and Global Alliances Advisory Board Chair at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), also included Sunita Kakarlapudi (President, ASARP), Nick Verma (Treasurer), and Harsha Shukla (Director).
MLS – A Game-Changer for India.
Taking center stage during the panel discussion “MLS – Unblocked”, Mr. Shukla shared a compelling vision for the transformative impact of MLS systems on the Indian real estate market. Emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and professionalism, he outlined how MRED’s proven track record and collaborative approach can serve as a blueprint for MLS adoption in emerging markets like India.
“Technology alone isn’t transformation,” said Mr. Shukla. “Governance, cooperation, and trust are the real cornerstones. MRED doesn’t just offer a platform—it offers a pathway shaped by decades of success and institutional knowledge.”
While acknowledging the recent MOU between Stellar MLS and NAR India, Mr. Shukla advocated for unified, scalable, and policy-driven solutions aligned with international best practices yet tailored to India’s unique market realities.
Recognition and Cross-Border Collaboration
In recognition of his ongoing contributions to strengthening Indo-U.S. real estate cooperation, Mr. Shukla was honored onstage by Ravi Varma (Chairman Emeritus, NAR India) and Tarun Bhatia (Vice Chairman & Global Chair, NAR India). The recognition underscored MRED’s global leadership and its commitment to ethical, transparent, and globally interconnected real estate practices.
Mr. Shukla also featured in a breakout session titled “Beyond Borders: Unlocking Global Opportunities through International REALTOR® Membership”, alongside Ayres D’Cunha, NAR Global Ambassador to India. Their session focused on the strategic potential of MLS to enable cross-border referrals, elevate investor confidence, and promote international professionalism.
MRED’s Distinctive Model,Providing a comparative overview of U.S. MLS systems, Mr. Shukla highlighted MRED’s inclusive, agent-driven, and governance-centric approach. As the largest MLS in the Midwest, MRED’s strengths include:Decades of success across diverse market conditions,Deep policy expertise adapted for agent-centric frameworks,Strong alignment with REALTOR® associations and regulators,Emphasis on education, data integrity, and cooperation
As regulatory changes unfold in the U.S.—including wider participation by non-REALTOR® professionals—MRED is uniquely positioned to provide accessible, low-barrier MLS entry points for Indian real estate professionals and NAR Global Partners.
Strategic Vision: What’s Ahead,To further this collaboration, Mr. Shukla proposed the following initiatives:Hosting a virtual roundtable for Indian real estate leaders to explore MRED’s platform capabilities,Launching educational modules focused on MLS adoption, transparency, and ethics,Developing affiliate access for cross-border listings and referrals,Forming joint training programs involving MRED, NAR India, and ASARP
A Spirit of Camaraderie:Beyond official proceedings, the visit was defined by genuine warmth and connection. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Shukla shared:“NAR India no longer feels like a partner—it feels like family. Their vision, hospitality, and commitment to progress are not just inspiring—they’re transformative.”
Heartfelt thanks were extended to the NAR India leadership team—including Ravi Varma, Sumanth Reddy, Amit Chopra, Tarun Bhatia, Chandresh Vithalani, Shivakumar, Sonali Mahant, and the many dedicated volunteers and past presidents such as Pravin Phense, Chetan Chopra, Sam Chopra, and Samir Aurora—for their exceptional efforts in making NARVIGATE 2025 a resounding success.
