Mumbai , 24 January 2025– The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos witnessed the largest-ever contingent from India, showcasing a unified “Bharat” with participation from several states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and West Bengal. The contingent, led by prominent Chief Ministers (CMs) such as Nara C Naidu of Andhra Pradesh, Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra, and Shri Revanth Reddy of Telangana, highlighted India’s growing economic prowess and its commitment to innovation.
For the first time, all state pavilions were integrated with the India Pavilion, symbolizing the country’s unity and cooperative spirit. A joint press conference by the state and central teams underscored the collaboration among diverse regions, focusing on India’s role as a global leader.
Ashwini Vaishnaw at WEF: India’s Economic Growth and Innovation Take Center Stage
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, spoke passionately about India’s economic vision at the forum. He emphasized the nation’s resilience, consistent growth, and its growing role as a trusted global partner. India’s advancements in technology, including its increasing influence in semiconductors and AI, were central to the discussions with global CEOs, CTOs, and investors. Vaishnaw highlighted India’s economic strength, with growth rates remaining steady between 6-8%, and detailed the progress made in the semiconductor industry, aiming to position India among the top three global chip manufacturers.
The Minister outlined India’s success in transitioning from import substitution to export-led growth, with mobile manufacturing becoming the second-largest export. He also spoke about India’s role in AI development, skilling 1 million people, and its robust push towards sustainable economic practices through initiatives like “Make in India, Make for the World.”
In his quotes, Vaishnaw remarked on the unity demonstrated by the Indian delegation at WEF: “This is a special occasion for all of us. Our Prime Minister guided us to have an integrated pavilion. Therefore, this time the entire India team is present here as one team.” He also spoke about India’s peaceful, democratic environment and its commitment to inclusive development.
Maharashtra’s Historic MoUs at WEF Davos
Maharashtra made significant strides during the WEF 2025, signing 61 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹15.70 lakh crore, which are expected to generate 16 lakh jobs. These agreements span key sectors like infrastructure, green energy, IT, defense, textiles, and biotechnology. Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, spoke about the state’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI and green technologies, while also emphasizing the importance of cooperative federalism.
Fadnavis said, “India is growing at the fastest pace, and it’s crucial that all states grow together. There was a time when only a few states thrived, but now 15-17 states are competing and attracting investments.” Maharashtra’s delegation also showcased plans for an Innovation City in Navi Mumbai, a hub for technological advancements in AI.
Telangana’s Vision for a $1 Trillion Economy
Telangana’s delegation at Davos secured 20 MoUs worth ₹1.79 lakh crore, focusing on data centers, green energy, and cutting-edge technologies. The state aims to make itself a $1 trillion economy by developing key infrastructure like metro rail expansions, regional ring roads, and promoting electric vehicles. Major investments include Amazon’s ₹60,000 crore data center and significant expansions by Infosys, HCL, and Wipro in Hyderabad.
Shri Revanth Reddy, Telangana’s Minister, outlined the state’s focus on sustainable growth, particularly in the IT, pharma, and emerging industries sectors, emphasizing the role of innovation in driving economic development.
Uttar Pradesh’s Economic Transformation on Display
Uttar Pradesh’s pavilion at WEF 2025 showcased the state’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy, with a delegation focused on attracting global investments. The state secured key investments, including Coca-Cola’s ₹2,500 crore for bottling plants and Heineken’s ₹1,500 crore distillery plant. Additionally, Sify Technologies announced plans to set up a ₹7,000 crore data center in Noida, while Lords Mark Industries committed to a ₹1,200 crore investment in renewable energy.
The state’s push for technology and sustainability was evident in the MoUs signed, furthering Uttar Pradesh’s goal of economic modernization.
Andhra Pradesh: Engaging with Global Leaders for Investment
Andhra Pradesh, led by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, focused on attracting investments by engaging with top global CEOs, including Bill Gates, Lakshmi Mittal, and Thomas Kurian. The state’s pavilion highlighted opportunities in various sectors, from renewable energy to pharmaceuticals. CM Naidu discussed a ₹1.4 lakh crore integrated steel project with ArcelorMittal, as well as investment opportunities with companies like Google Cloud and LG Chem.
Naidu’s message to the world was clear: “India is moving very fast, and Andhra Pradesh is ready to be a major player in the global economy.” He also emphasized India’s potential as a renewable energy hub, adding that Andhra Pradesh would contribute significantly to India’s target of adding 500 GW of renewable energy capacity.
Unity in Diversity: A New India at Davos
The collective presence of India’s state and central leadership at WEF 2025 sent a powerful message of unity and collaboration. For the first time, India’s representation at Davos was not just a showcase of its growing economy, but also a testament to the strength of its federal structure, where states and the center are aligned in their vision for national growth. With a common focus on technological innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, India’s delegation at Davos symbolized a new era of cooperative federalism and global engagement.
India’s participation at WEF 2025 reinforced its position as a global leader, ready to take on challenges and seize opportunities to lead the world into a new age of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative growth.
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