Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra Region in Rajkot, Gujarat today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that after the beginning of 2026, this was his first visit to Gujarat. He highlighted that earlier in the morning he had the divine darshan of Lord Somnath and was now participating in the grand program at Rajkot. He stated that the mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” was resonating everywhere. The Prime Minister welcomed and extended greetings to all colleagues who had come from across the country and the world to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit.
Observing that whenever the stage of Vibrant Gujarat Summit is set, Shri Modi expressed that he does not see it as just a summit but as the journey of modern India in the 21st century, which began with a dream and has now reached unshakable trust. He emphasized that in two decades, the journey of Vibrant Gujarat has become a global benchmark, with ten editions held so far, each strengthening the identity and role of the summit.
Underlining that he has been associated with the vision of Vibrant Gujarat Summit since the very first day, Shri Modi recalled that in the initial phase, the aim was to make the world aware of Gujarat’s potential, to invite people to come, invest, and thereby benefit India as well as global investors. He stressed that today the summit has moved beyond investment to become a platform for global growth, international cooperation, and partnership. The Prime Minister pointed out that over the years the number of global partners has steadily increased and the summit has become a major example of inclusion. He noted that corporate groups, cooperatives, MSMEs, start-ups, multilateral and bilateral organizations, and international financial institutions all come together here to engage in dialogue, discussion, and walk shoulder to shoulder with Gujarat’s development.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that over the past two decades, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has consistently introduced something new and special, and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit has become another example of this tradition. He highlighted that the focus of this Regional Summit is to transform the untapped potential of different parts of Gujarat into performance. Shri Modi noted that some regions have the strength of a coastal line, others possess a long tribal belt, some have a large ecosystem of industrial clusters, while others carry a rich tradition of farming and animal husbandry. He emphasized that each region of Gujarat has its own strength, and the Regional Summit is advancing by focusing on these regional possibilities.
The Prime Minister observed that a quarter of the 21st century has already passed and in recent years India has made rapid progress, with Gujarat and all its people playing a major role. He stated that India is moving towards becoming the world’s third largest economy, and the data clearly shows that global expectations from India are continuously rising. Shri Modi underlined that India is the fastest growing large economy, inflation is under control, agriculture production is achieving new records, India is number one in milk production, number one in generic medicine production, and the largest producer of vaccines in the world.
“India’s growth fact sheet is the success story of the mantra Reform, Perform and Transform”, underscored Shri Modi, pointing out that in the past 11 years India has become the world’s largest consumer of mobile data, and UPI has emerged as the number one real-time digital transaction platform globally. He recalled that earlier nine out of ten mobile phones were imported, but today India is the world’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer. The Prime Minister added that India now has the world’s third largest start-up ecosystem, ranks among the top three countries in solar power generation, is the third largest aviation market, and has one of the top three metro networks globally.
Highlighting that today every global expert and institution is bullish on India, the Prime Minister noted that the IMF calls India the engine of global growth, S&P has upgraded India’s rating after eighteen years, and Fitch Ratings has praised India’s macro stability and fiscal credibility. He stressed that this global trust in India exists because, amid great global uncertainty, India is witnessing an unprecedented era of certainty. He underlined that India enjoys political stability, policy continuity, and an expanding neo-middle class with increasing purchasing power, making India a nation of limitless possibilities. Recalling his words from the Red Fort that “this is the time, the right time,” Shri Modi emphasized that for every investor in the country and the world, this is indeed the right time to take advantage of India’s possibilities. He further stated that the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit is also conveying the same message to all investors—that for investment in Saurashtra-Kutch, this is the time, the right time.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that Saurashtra and Kutch are regions of Gujarat that teach us that no matter how big the challenge, if one perseveres with honesty and hard work, success is assured. He recalled that this was the same Kutch which faced a devastating earthquake at the beginning of this century, and the same Saurashtra which suffered years of drought, where mothers and sisters had to walk several kilometers for drinking water, electricity was uncertain, and difficulties were everywhere. He observed that today’s youth of 20–25 years have only heard stories of that period, when people were reluctant to stay long in Kutch or Saurashtra, and it seemed those conditions would never change. He emphasized that history is witness that time changes, and indeed it does, and the people of Saurashtra and Kutch have changed their destiny through their hard work.
Highlighting that today Saurashtra and Kutch are not just regions of opportunity but have become anchor regions of India’s growth, Shri Modi stated that these regions are becoming major centers driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and play a significant role in making India a global manufacturing hub, a role that is market-driven and thus inspires investor confidence. The Prime Minister pointed out that Rajkot alone has more than 2.5 lakh MSMEs, and in its diverse industrial clusters, everything from screwdrivers to auto parts, machine tools, luxury car liners, airplane, fighter plane, and rocket components are manufactured. He underlined that this region supports the entire value chain from low-cost manufacturing to high-precision, high-technology manufacturing, and its jewelry industry is world-renowned, exemplifying scale, skill, and global linkage.
The Prime Minister remarked that Alang hosts the world’s largest ship-breaking yard, where one-third of the world’s ships are recycled, a testimony to India’s leadership in the circular economy. He noted that India is among the largest producers of tiles, with Morbi district making a major contribution, where manufacturing is both cost-competitive and globally benchmarked. Shri Modi recalled that he had once said he could foresee a time when Morbi, Jamnagar, and Rajkot would together form a triangle that would become a “Mini Japan.” He remarked that at that time many had mocked his statement, but today he was witnessing that vision turning into reality before his own eyes.
Expressing pride in the Dholera Special Investment Region, which is emerging as a major center of modern manufacturing, Shri Modi highlighted that India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility is being established in Dholera, giving the region an early-mover advantage in future technologies. He added that the ground is fully prepared for investment in this region, with infrastructure ready, policy predictable, and vision long-term.
Shri Modi remarked that Saurashtra and Kutch are emerging as major hubs of India’s green growth, green mobility, and energy security. He highlighted that a 30 gigawatt capacity renewable energy park is being developed in Kutch, which will be the world’s largest hybrid energy park, five times bigger than Paris city. He emphasized that clean energy in this region is not just a commitment but a commercial-scale reality. The PM noted that Kutch and Jamnagar are becoming major centers for green hydrogen production, and a massive Battery Energy Storage System is also being established in Kutch to ensure grid stability and reliability alongside renewable energy.
Underlining that another great strength of Saurashtra and Kutch lies in their world-class ports, through which a large share of India’s exports pass, the Prime Minister pointed out that Pipavav and Mundra ports have become major hubs for automobile exports, with nearly 1.75 lakh vehicles exported from Gujarat’s ports last year. He stressed that beyond logistics, there are endless investment opportunities in every aspect of port-led development. Shri Modi added that the Gujarat government is giving special priority to the fisheries sector, with large-scale infrastructure development and a strong ecosystem for seafood processing investors.
“Alongside infrastructure, an industry-ready workforce is the biggest requirement today”, emphasised the Prime Minister adding that Gujarat provides complete certainty to investors on this front. He highlighted that Gujarat has an international ecosystem for education and skill development. He mentioned that the Kaushalya Skill University is preparing youth with future-ready skills in collaboration with universities from Australia and Singapore. He noted that the National Defence University is India’s first national-level defence university, while Gatishakti University is preparing skilled manpower for road, railway, airway, waterways, and logistics sectors. Shri Modi emphasized that investment in Gujarat comes with an assured talent pipeline. He added that many foreign universities are seeing opportunities in India, with Gujarat becoming their preferred destination, and two major Australian universities have already started campuses in the state, with more expected in the future.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Gujarat offers nature, adventure, culture, and heritage, making it a complete tourism experience. He pointed out that Lothal, symbolizing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage, is home to the world’s oldest man-made dockyard, where the National Maritime Heritage Complex is being developed. He mentioned that the Rann Utsav is currently being celebrated in Kutch, with the tent city offering a unique experience. He noted that wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir forest for the unparalleled experience of seeing Asiatic lions, which attracts more than nine lakh tourists annually. He added that those who love the sea can enjoy Shivrajpur beach, which is Blue Flag certified, along with Mandvi, Somnath, and Dwarka, which offer immense possibilities for beach tourism. He also highlighted that nearby Diu is becoming a prime destination for water sports and beach games.
Emphasising that Saurashtra and Kutch are regions full of strength and possibilities, Shri Modi urged investors to take full advantage of them. He emphasized that every investment in Saurashtra-Kutch will accelerate the development of Gujarat and the progress of the nation.
Prime Minister remarked that today’s India is working rapidly towards the goal of becoming a developed nation, with the “Reform Express” playing a major role in this journey. He explained that the Reform Express signifies next-generation reforms across every sector, citing the recent implementation of next-generation GST reforms which have positively impacted all sectors, especially benefiting MSMEs. He highlighted that India has undertaken a major reform in the insurance sector by allowing 100 percent FDI, which will accelerate the campaign to provide universal insurance coverage to citizens. He noted that after nearly six decades, the income tax law has been modernized, benefiting millions of taxpayers. He emphasized that India has also implemented historic labor reforms, giving wages, social security, and industry a unified framework, thereby benefiting both workers and industry.
Highlighting that India is becoming a global hub for data-driven innovation, AI research, and semiconductor manufacturing, Shri Modi underlined that with India’s rising power demand, assured energy is critical, and nuclear power is a major medium to achieve this. He pointed out that next-generation reforms have also been introduced in the nuclear power sector, with civil nuclear energy opened for private participation through the SHANTI Act, creating significant opportunities for investors.
Shri Modi assured all investors present that India’s Reform Express will not stop, and the country’s reform journey has advanced towards institutional transformation. He remarked that participants are not here merely with an MoU, but to connect with the development and heritage of Saurashtra-Kutch. He concluded by assuring that every rupee invested here will yield excellent returns, extending his best wishes to all and thanking them.
Shri Parakramsinh G Jadeja, Chairman and Managing Director of Jyoti CNC Automation, an eminent industrialist from Rajkot shared his perspective at the event. His speech highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s extraordinary vision and leadership in transforming Gujarat into India’s growth engine through the Vibrant Gujarat initiative. It emphasized that under his guidance, India has redefined the global VUCA environment—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and agility—into vision, understanding, clarity, and agility, ensuring stability even in turbulent global conditions. Over the next five years, Jyoti CNC will invest more than Rs. 10,000 crores in manufacturing and R&D and skills. He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership with positioning India to lead in manufacturing, driven by innovation and skill development, adding that Shri Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 was underscored as a shared responsibility of government, industry, institutions, and society. The address reaffirmed that Modi’s policies and reforms have created an enabling environment for large-scale investments, technological advancement, and global competitiveness, inspiring confidence that India’s manufacturing ecosystem will strengthen and contribute significantly to national progress.
The address by Shri Karan Adani, MD, Adani Ports and SEZ underscored Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership, which has reshaped India’s scale and mindset. He noted that Shri Modi taught the nation to think long term, build institutions, and view development as a civilizational mission where vision is matched by execution. Under Shri Modi, Gujarat has become one of India’s most industrially advanced and globally connected states, contributing significantly to GDP, industrial output, cargo handling, and renewable energy. Shri Adani recalled that as Chief Minister, Shri Modi proved that good governance and speed of execution could transform a state, long before “ease of doing business” became a national concept. As Prime Minister, he has extended this philosophy across India, making states engines of growth through cooperative and competitive federalism, ensuring policy stability, and building infrastructure at scale. He emphasized that India, under Modi’s leadership, has emerged as a bright spot in a fragmented global economy, growing close to 8%, expanding its manufacturing base, and progressing confidently towards becoming a $5 trillion economy and the world’s third largest. Shri Adani cited Kutch and Mundra as powerful examples, with projects like the 37 GW Khavda renewable energy park. He announced ₹1.5 lakh crore over the next five years in Kutch, aligning with national priorities of employment generation, industrial competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience, affirming Gujarat’s role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Sharing his thoughts, Shri B.K. Goenka, Chairman of the Welspun Group, emphasized Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership in transforming Gujarat, especially Kutch and Saurashtra. Once known for scarcity and disasters, these regions today symbolize world-class refineries, ports, textiles, and renewable energy. He credited this transformation entirely to Prime Minister Modi’s foresight and determination, which gave Gujarat a new identity. He recalled how in 2003, during the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Shri Modi urged Welspun to set up its expansion plant in quake-hit Kutch, assuring that every rupee invested would yield manifold returns. That foresight turned Welspun’s Gujarat facility into the world’s leading home textile company, employing over one lakh people and commanding more than 25% market share in the US and UK, with products even reaching Wimbledon. Shri Goenka highlighted Welspun’s pipeline business, investing ₹5,000 crores to become the world’s largest manufacturer. He praised Shri Modi’s resolve—“as big as your dream, that big is my commitment”. He concluded by echoing the Prime Minister’s call for new dreams, new resolutions, and continuous accomplishments, stressing that the challenge before all is not just to make India self-reliant but to transform it into a developed nation by 2047.
Shri Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries Limited, sharing his thoughts remarked that the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit celebrated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision, crediting him with restoring India’s civilizational self-belief and ushering in an era of unprecedented confidence and vibrancy. Shri Ambani emphasized that history will remember the Modi era as the time when India moved from potential to performance, aspiration to action, and from being a follower to becoming a global force. He highlighted Gujarat’s special place for Reliance, describing it as the company’s body, heart, and soul, and announced five firm commitments aligned with Modi’s vision.
First, Reliance will double its investments in Gujarat to ₹7 lakh crore over the next five years, generating employment and prosperity. Second, at Jamnagar, the company is building the world’s largest integrated clean energy ecosystem, spanning solar, battery storage, green hydrogen, fertilizers, sustainable fuels, and advanced materials. Third, Reliance is developing India’s largest AI-ready data center to deliver affordable AI services for every citizen, starting from Gujarat. Fourth, the Reliance Foundation will support India’s Olympic ambitions, partnering with the Gujarat government to manage the Veer Savarkar multi-sports complex and train future champions. Fifth, Reliance will expand healthcare and education facilities, including a world-class hospital in Jamnagar.
Shri Ambani concluded by stressing that despite global turbulence, India remains secure under Shri Modi’s leadership, describing him as the nation’s “invincible protective wall.” He declared this India’s defining decade, with Modi not just preparing the country for the future but actively shaping it, and reaffirmed Reliance’s commitment to Gujarat and to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India, expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Minister of Gujarat for inviting Rwanda as a country partner at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit and for the opportunity to speak in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She congratulated the Gujarat government for successfully organizing the conference and highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Rwanda and India. She recalled Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Rwanda in 2018, during which six MOUs were signed and 200 cows were donated to needy families, a gesture she praised as an example of his generosity and leadership. She also noted that President Paul Kagame has visited India five times, including attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2017, and emphasized that both leaders have elevated Rwanda–India relations to a strategic level.
Ms. Mukangira described Rwanda as a fast-developing, stable nation with zero tolerance for corruption, ranking first in Africa for governance transparency and ease of doing business, and recording 11.8% economic growth in Q3 of 2025. She highlighted India as Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor and trading partner, and invited more Indian investments in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, mining, tourism, health, and education, supported by strong incentives. She concluded by inviting delegates to visit Rwanda, home to the famous mountain gorillas and the Big Five animals, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to stronger ties with India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
H.E. Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to India, warmly applauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting his journey from regional leader to national figure and now a global statesman, including his role in efforts to establish peace. He emphasized that Gujarat, under Shri Modi’s vision, has become globally recognized for its development model, which has expanded across India and is guiding the nation toward becoming a global leader and achieving the target of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He expressed gratitude to the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for their cooperation, highlighting areas of collaboration such as education, institutional partnerships, and skills development, which strengthen people-to-people and knowledge-based ties. He recalled that Ukraine proudly served as a partner country at the 2023 Vibrant Gujarat Summit, viewing it as a strategic opportunity to deepen economic cooperation. Ukrainian industries are actively engaging with India in sectors like agriculture, engineering, IT, energy, and logistics, with bilateral trade already reaching $4 billion.
Dr. Polishchuk invited Indian companies to participate in the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland and underscored prospects for expanded industrial and technological cooperation, including in defense under the Make in India framework. He noted that Prime Minister Modi’s historic 2024 visit to Ukraine, undertaken during wartime, reaffirmed the intention to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He concluded with confidence that achieving sustainable peace in Ukraine will further deepen India–Ukraine relations, including with Gujarat, and wished the Vibrant Gujarat Summit success in fostering productive discussions and strong new partnerships.
Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel was present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
During the event, Prime Minister also announced the development of 14 greenfield smart Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation Limited (GIDC) estates and inaugurated the medical device park of GIDC at Rajkot.
Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference is being held from 11-12 January 2026, catering to 12 districts across the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. Dedicated exclusively to these regions, the conference aims to usher in fresh momentum for investment and industrial growth in western Gujarat. The focus sectors of the conference include Ceramics, Engineering, Ports & Logistics, Fisheries, Petrochemicals, Agro & Food Processing, Minerals, Green Energy Ecosystem, Skill Development, Startups, MSMEs, Tourism and Culture, among others. Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and Ukraine will be the partner countries for the Conference.
To further expand the reach and impact of the successful model of Vibrant Gujarat, four Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences are being held across the State. The first edition of the Regional Conference for North Gujarat region was held at Mehsana on 9-10 October 2025. The current edition is being held for the Kutch and Saurashtra region. The Regional Conferences for South Gujarat (9-10 April 2026) and Central Gujarat (10-11 June 2026) regions will subsequently be organized in Surat and Vadodara respectively.
Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and building upon the success and legacy of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, these Regional Conferences aim to promote region-specific industrial development, attract investments across diverse sectors, and enhance global engagement. By taking the Vibrant Gujarat platform closer to the regions, the initiative also reflects the Prime Minister’s emphasis on decentralised development, ease of doing business, innovation-driven growth, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.
The Regional Conferences will not only serve as a platform for showcasing regional achievements and announcing new initiatives but also as instruments for co-creating Gujarat’s growth story by empowering regional economies, promoting innovation and facilitating strategic investments in every part of the State. The achievements of Regional Conferences will be showcased during the next edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to be held in January 2027.
Click here to read full text speech
India is the world's fastest-growing large economy. pic.twitter.com/HlhiPzjkNx
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2026
The fact sheet on India's growth is a success story of the Reform-Perform-Transform mantra. pic.twitter.com/NVqWs8UqW7
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2026
At a time of great global uncertainty, India is moving ahead with remarkable certainty. pic.twitter.com/bbvyoIlFmz
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2026
Along with infrastructure, an industry-ready workforce is today's biggest need. pic.twitter.com/dNnMFn6lr8
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2026
Today's India is moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation. The Reform Express is playing a crucial role in achieving this objective. pic.twitter.com/nKpNTNtR6E
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2026
