Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered a strong pitch for investment in Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions, describing them as emerging anchor regions of India’s growth amid global uncertainty. Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, the Prime Minister said India is entering a decisive decade powered by reforms, policy stability, and rising global trust.
Vibrant Gujarat: From Vision to Global Benchmark
Recalling the origins of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, PM Modi said the initiative began as an effort to showcase Gujarat’s potential to the world. Over two decades, it has transformed into a trusted platform for global cooperation involving corporates, MSMEs, start-ups, cooperatives, and international financial institutions.
The Regional Summit format, he noted, focuses on unlocking region-specific strengths—be it coastal advantages, industrial clusters, agriculture, or tribal development—turning untapped potential into measurable performance.
India’s Economic Momentum Amid Global Uncertainty
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s rapid progress in the first quarter of the 21st century, noting that the country is moving steadily towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He cited India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy, with inflation under control and record achievements in agriculture and manufacturing.
India now leads the world in milk production, generic medicines, and vaccine manufacturing. The country has also become the world’s largest consumer of mobile data and home to the third-largest start-up ecosystem.
Reform, Perform, Transform
PM Modi attributed India’s growth to the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. Over the past 11 years, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and a top global player in solar energy, aviation, and metro rail networks.
Global institutions have recognised this progress, with the IMF calling India the engine of global growth and rating agencies acknowledging India’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.
Saurashtra-Kutch: Manufacturing and MSME Powerhouse
The Prime Minister said Saurashtra and Kutch exemplify resilience, having overcome earthquakes, droughts, and infrastructure challenges. Today, the region hosts over 2.5 lakh MSMEs, producing everything from basic tools to high-precision components for automobiles, aircraft, and defence systems.
He highlighted Alang as the world’s largest ship-breaking yard, Morbi’s global leadership in tiles, and Dholera’s emergence as a next-generation manufacturing hub with India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility.
Green Energy and Port-Led Development
PM Modi underscored the region’s role in India’s green growth ambitions. Kutch is home to a 30-gigawatt renewable energy park—the world’s largest hybrid energy project—along with major green hydrogen and battery storage initiatives.
Gujarat’s world-class ports, including Mundra and Pipavav, are driving export growth, particularly in automobiles. The state is also prioritising fisheries and port-led industrial development to create new investment avenues.
Skill, Infrastructure, and Future Reforms
Emphasising the importance of skilled manpower, the Prime Minister pointed to institutions such as Gujarat Skill University, Gati Shakti University, and the National Defence University. He said global universities are increasingly choosing Gujarat as an education destination.
PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to next-generation reforms, including GST rationalisation, insurance sector liberalisation, labour reforms, and opening civil nuclear energy to private participation.
‘This Is the Right Time’
Concluding his address, PM Modi urged investors to seize opportunities in Saurashtra-Kutch, assuring predictable policies, ready infrastructure, and long-term vision. He said every rupee invested in the region would contribute to Gujarat’s and India’s development.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Gujarat government for expanding the Vibrant Gujarat model through regional summits, calling it a valuable experiment ahead of the main summit in 2027.
