Rajkot, January 11, 2026 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions in Rajkot, emphasizing the critical role of political stability in India's economic growth. The two-day conference is designed to stimulate investment and accelerate industrial growth in western Gujarat.
Speaking at the event held at Marwadi University, Modi highlighted that global institutions are increasingly bullish on India due to its political stability. He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called India the world's growth engine, while Standard & Poor's (S&P) upgraded India's rating after 18 years. Additionally, Fitch has appreciated India's macroeconomic stability and fiscal credibility. Despite global uncertainty, India remains politically stable, with a growing middle class and a strong foundation for continued economic progress.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that Modi announced the development of 14 greenfield smart Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation Limited (GIDC) estates and inaugurated a medical device park of GIDC in Rajkot, reinforcing the state's industrial infrastructure. The conference, dedicated to regional development, aims to provide fresh momentum to investment and industrial expansion in western Gujarat.
The regional conference is part of a series of investment summits held across Gujarat in 2026, strategically designed to foster decentralized and inclusive industrial growth in preparation for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027. Each regional conference is tailored to highlight the unique economic strengths and priority sectors of its host area, facilitating focused investment dialogues, policy engagement, and industrial partnerships.
This Kutch and Saurashtra edition targets industrial advancement across 12 districts in Western Gujarat, encompassing the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. Key sectors highlighted include ceramics, engineering, ports and logistics, fisheries, and green energy. The objective is to amplify investment momentum in export-oriented and infrastructure-driven sectors that are pivotal to Western Gujarat's economy.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present at the event. Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi stated the conference aims to attract large-scale investments and strengthen Gujarat's position as a top investment destination.
The conference will focus on Gujarat's leadership in renewable and clean energy and its alignment with India's 'Panchamrit' climate commitments. These commitments include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources, reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030, and attaining net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) will lead discussions, seminars, and panel sessions focused on Gujarat's renewable energy roadmap. Under the Mission 100 GW (Shapath Patra), the state has committed to achieving more than 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in India's energy transition.
The conference includes a CEO Roundtable on 'Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future', a Green Startups Fireside Chat, and discussions on Gujarat's role as India's energy gateway in oil and gas. An exhibition-cum-trade show showcases best practices in daytime power for agriculture, renewable energy connectivity, and achievements under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Regional Conferences aim to promote region-specific industrial development, attract investments across diverse sectors, and strengthen decentralised growth. The outcomes will be showcased at the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2027.
