Gujarat Tops NITI Investment Index, CM Bhupendra Patel Highlights Industrial Growth

AHMEDABAD : Gujarat has cemented its position as India’s most attractive investment destination after securing the top rank in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Thursday. Highlighting the state’s robust industrial growth, record foreign investments, and investor-friendly policies, Patel said Gujarat is steadily transforming into a global hub for manufacturing, innovation, and emerging technologies.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing the installation ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

Congratulating the newly elected GCCI leadership, Patel said their unanimous election reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He also appreciated outgoing GCCI President Sandeep Engineer for his leadership and contribution to the business community.

Highlighting Gujarat’s economic achievements, Patel said the state attracted USD 73.9 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between April 2020 and December 2025, reaffirming strong global investor confidence.

“Gujarat has always been a land of trade and entrepreneurship. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has become a global centre for innovation, industry, commerce, and tradition,” the Chief Minister said.

Patel described the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026 as a roadmap to make the state a global industrial powerhouse. He noted that, for the first time, the policy includes provisions for faster incentive disbursement and enhanced support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He urged entrepreneurs to study the policy and fully utilise its benefits.

The Chief Minister also highlighted India’s recent technological milestones, including the country’s first hydrogen-powered train and the successful launch of the Vikram-1 rocket by an Indian private space startup. He said these achievements have strengthened India’s global standing in innovation.

“Gujarat is rapidly emerging as a leader in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data centres. With semiconductor plants, an AI centre in GIFT City, and world-class data centre infrastructure taking shape, the state is preparing for the industries of the future,” Patel said.

Calling upon industry leaders to partner with the government, Patel urged entrepreneurs to contribute towards building a USD 5 trillion economy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through the resolve of “Make in Gujarat, Make for the World.”