Gujarat's industrial ambitions took centre stage in Mumbai on 3 September as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held one-on-one meetings with senior industry leaders ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027. The roadshow spotlighted emerging sectors — electric mobility, shipbuilding, advanced textiles, and sustainable manufacturing — alongside the state's established industrial base, as Gujarat intensifies preparations for the 11th edition of the summit, scheduled in Gandhinagar from 10 to 12 January 2027 under the theme 'Viksit Gujarat – Shaping Global Future'.

Industry Leaders Reflect on Gujarat's Investment Journey

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra recalled that his first investment discussion in Gujarat took place in the same venue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding as the state's Chief Minister at the time. 'First of all, I am reminded that the first Vibrant Gujarat Roadshow, which was conducted by the then Chief Minister Modi, was held right here in this very room, and we were there. And look at the journey since then, what vision he had at that time and how far we have come,' Mahindra said.

Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director and CEO Anish Shah noted the group's existing footprint across tractor manufacturing, renewable energy, hospitality, and industrial parks in Gujarat. 'Gujarat is one of the most dynamic states, and we have a presence across multiple industries,' Shah said, adding that discussions covered larger industrial parks, GIFT City, and opportunities to expand the group's resort business.

Shipbuilding, Textiles, and the Case for Expansion

Swan Energy Managing Director Nikhil V. Merchant said the company operates three distinct businesses in Gujarat — an LNG terminal, Pipavav Shipyard (now known as Swan Defence and Heavy Industries), and a textile mill at Narol. 'All three businesses are doing well, and with the support and proactive policies of the government, I think we should be in good shape,' Merchant said.

Merchant also made a case for scaling India's shipbuilding sector, estimating that the country loses around USD 85 billion in outflows and would need at least 10 to 12 new shipyards to meaningfully address the gap. He argued the sector held the potential to generate employment for lakhs of people.

For Welspun India CEO Dipali Goenka, Gujarat is the group's manufacturing heartland — roughly 80 per cent of Welspun's total investment is concentrated in the state. Goenka said ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations were opening significant export opportunities. 'If Welspun expanded further, five per cent of the world's home linen will come from Gujarat and Welspun,' she said. She also highlighted the state's broader ecosystem — green energy, start-ups, pipes, and new technologies — as evidence that Gujarat was moving well beyond traditional manufacturing.

GDP Growth Figures Bolster Investor Confidence

Goenka's remarks came days after India reported real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent for the April–June quarter of 2026-27, with nominal GDP growth recorded at 10.3 per cent during the same period. She attributed India's expansion to consumption, industrialisation, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and smart factories.

NAREDCO President Kamlesh Thakur described the 7.8 per cent figure as a 'pleasant surprise' given prevailing geopolitical headwinds, saying it 'reinforced investor confidence in India's ability to maintain growth despite external challenges.' Thakur also raised real estate sector concerns — including land acquisition costs, premium charges for developers, and GST rationalisation for redevelopment projects — and said the industry had already made a representation to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the premiums issue.

Thakur further discussed the proposed 'Mumbai 3' vision, under which education and medical city projects are being developed, with contracts reportedly signed with 12 international universities. He noted that Adani Group's involvement — spanning airports, seaports, and aero cities — was providing critical infrastructure support to the initiative.

VGGS 2027: What the Summit Agenda Covers

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027 agenda is set to span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green hydrogen, green energy, and technology, alongside traditional pillars of manufacturing and investment. The Mumbai roadshow brought together companies with long-standing Gujarat operations and those mapping their next expansion phase, with conversations ranging from industrial parks and shipbuilding to textiles, EVs, GIFT City, and tourism.

With the summit still months away, the roadshow signals that Gujarat is positioning itself as a multi-sector destination — not just a manufacturing hub, but a node for emerging industries that will define India's next growth decade.