Gujarat CM Patel pitches VGGS 2027 to foreign missions, eyes global investment
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on 31 August 2025 called on Heads of Foreign Missions in New Delhi to actively channel companies and investors from their countries toward Gujarat, as the state intensifies its international outreach ahead of the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS 2027), scheduled for 10–12 January 2027 in Gandhinagar. The meeting, confirmed by officials on Tuesday, marks a key step in the state government's pre-summit diplomatic engagement.
The Investment Pitch
Patel told foreign envoys that Gujarat intends to use the Vibrant Gujarat platform to deepen existing international partnerships and open fresh avenues for investment, technology collaboration and economic cooperation. He highlighted sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, digital technology, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing as areas shaping the global economy — and areas where Gujarat is actively creating opportunities.
He also pointed to a broader sectoral spread: renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, textiles, food processing, aerospace and defence. Foreign missions were invited to engage through country pavilions, business delegations and sectoral investment partnerships.
What the Government Said
'Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has been organising the Vibrant Gujarat Summit since 2003, which has proved to be a game-changer in its development journey and over the years, it has evolved into a strong global platform for fostering mutual cooperation, investment and partnerships between Gujarat and countries across the world,' Patel said.
He credited the summit with giving Gujarat a new identity as a 'Global Gateway to the Future' and positioning it as a key contributor to India's industrial growth. Recalling Modi's call that 'This is the time, the right time,' Patel urged missions to facilitate greater engagement and assured investors of the state government's full support.
Gujarat Chief Secretary M.K. Das said the state's transformation had been driven by infrastructure, investor-friendly governance and a focus on future-oriented sectors. Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, reaffirmed the Ministry's support for the summit, saying ease of doing business forms the foundation for wider economic partnerships. P.S. Gangadhar, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), described the summit as 'a global forum for India's economic engagement, with emerging opportunities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, GCC and advanced technologies.'
Policy Framework and Recent Outreach
Patel outlined a suite of recent state policies backing the pitch: the Semiconductor Policy, IT and ITeS Policy, Green Hydrogen Policy, Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy, and policies covering shipbuilding and ship repair. He also highlighted the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, which introduced a 'Choose Your Incentive' option for industries and aims to promote more balanced development across the state.
The Chief Minister referenced recent high-level delegation visits to the US and Canada, noting that CEOs met during those trips had expressed interest in establishing industries and investing in Gujarat. Additional Chief Secretary Mamta Verma presented Gujarat's economic and investment profile at the meeting, covering its manufacturing base, export competitiveness and infrastructure strengths.
Gujarat's Investment Credentials
Gujarat currently ranks first among large states in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index 2026. The state has recorded cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $74.6 billion between January 2000 and March 2026 and has consistently ranked among leading states in the LEADS logistics index. The state's stated objective is to become a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Summit Theme and What's Next
The 11th VGGS will be held under the theme 'Viksit Gujarat – Shaping Global Future'. The New Delhi interaction follows the state's recent international outreach in the US and Canada, signalling a sustained pre-summit diplomatic push. With the summit now roughly five months away, the focus will shift to converting diplomatic engagement into confirmed investment commitments and country pavilion participation.