Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Bhopal on Monday, urging investors to explore the abundant opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. Highlighting the state’s industrial, infrastructural, and entrepreneurial potential, PM Modi described it as the ideal time to invest in the region.
Addressing a gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and global investors, PM Modi said, “The Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh is a commendable initiative. It serves as a vital platform to showcase the state’s immense potential in industry, innovation, and infrastructure. By attracting global investors, it is paving the way for economic growth and job creation. Happy to see Madhya Pradesh emerge as a key hub for business and entrepreneurship.”
The Prime Minister emphasized his government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens and enhancing the ease of doing business. He announced that discussions are underway with states to establish a de-regulation commission aimed at identifying and eliminating outdated regulations that hinder business growth. This initiative builds on recent progress, where the government has already abolished 40,000 mandatory compliances to streamline business processes.
Textile, Tourism, and Technology: Key Growth Drivers
PM Modi underscored the pivotal role of the textile, tourism, and technology sectors in India’s economic growth. He noted that India is a leading global producer of cotton, silk, and viscose, with Madhya Pradesh playing a crucial role in this success. The state is renowned for its Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, and it contributes around 25% of the country’s organic cotton. The Prime Minister highlighted the establishment of seven textile parks, including a rapidly developing one in Madhya Pradesh, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors to tap into the state’s thriving textile industry.
The Prime Minister also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in the state’s health and wellness sector, with the government promoting public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare services. He urged attendees to visit Ujjain, home to the revered Mahakal Lok, noting that the city’s spiritual heritage adds to the region’s appeal. “This is the time and the right time to invest,” he said, appealing to both domestic and international investors.
Transforming Madhya Pradesh: From Bimaru to Booming
Reflecting on the state’s remarkable transformation over the past two decades, PM Modi said that Madhya Pradesh has evolved from a struggling Bimaru state into a dynamic economic powerhouse. He credited advancements in infrastructure and energy as key factors driving this progress.
With a power generation capacity of 31,000 MW—40% of which comes from clean energy sources—Madhya Pradesh is at the forefront of India’s energy revolution. The Rewa Solar Park, the largest solar park in the country, stands as a testament to the state’s leadership in renewable energy.
In infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh now boasts 100% rail line electrification. Under the AMRIT Bharat initiative, 80 railway stations have been modernized, including the Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal, India’s first world-class private railway station named after the erstwhile queen of Bhopal. PM Modi highlighted that investments of approximately $70 billion (₹5 trillion) in renewable energy have created one million jobs, significantly boosting the region’s economy.
Enhancing Water Security and Supporting MSMEs
Stressing the importance of water security for both agriculture and industry, PM Modi highlighted ongoing efforts in water conservation and river linking. He pointed to the ₹45,000 crore Ken-Betwa River Linking Project as a landmark initiative aimed at improving water management across the region.
The Prime Minister also announced measures to empower the middle class and stimulate economic growth. The government has raised the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh, providing relief to taxpayers, while the Reserve Bank of India has reduced interest rates post-budget to support economic activity.
To boost the manufacturing sector, the government is strengthening local supply chains and promoting self-reliance, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). PM Modi acknowledged the challenges faced by MSMEs under previous governments and assured robust support for exporters, aiming to increase India’s presence in global markets.
Concluding his address, PM Modi reaffirmed that Madhya Pradesh is poised for rapid economic growth and invited investors to seize the opportunities the state offers. “This is the right time to invest,” he reiterated, signaling a new era of business and innovation in the heart of India.
