Lucknow: A high-level delegation of senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers from the 2000–2001 batch, currently participating in a mid-career training programme, visited Invest UP on Monday with the objective of enhancing Uttar Pradesh’s global investment outreach.
The delegation included distinguished diplomats such as Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Slovakia; Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner in London; and Rajesh Ranjan, Ambassador of India in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).
Strengthening Global Ties Through Diplomacy and Investment
The diplomats held an in-depth discussion with the Invest UP team on ways to strengthen international linkages and promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in Uttar Pradesh. Officials emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships between Indian missions abroad and Invest UP to attract global investors, particularly in priority sectors.
Showcasing UP’s Pro-Investment Ecosystem
During the meeting, Invest UP officials showcased the state’s–
- Progressive sectoral policies
- Proactive governance approach
- Favorable ease of doing business rankings
- Dedicated foreign desks for targeted global engagement
They emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is working towards becoming a $1 trillion economy, supported by over 34 sector-specific policies.
These include–
- Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy, 2022
- Semiconductor Policy
- Data Centre Policy
- Defence Manufacturing Policy
- Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy
- Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy
Diplomatic Backing for Investment Push
The visiting IFS officers reaffirmed their support in positioning Uttar Pradesh globally and pledged the backing of Indian embassies in forging meaningful connections with foreign companies and governments. These efforts aim to strengthen international collaboration, promote key growth sectors, and drive economic transformation in India’s most populous state.
State’s Competitiveness Highlighted
2009 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, Mr Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO of Invest UP, highlighted the state’s-
- Competitive incentive structures
- Industry-ready infrastructure
- Focus on sunrise sectors
He added that the support of Indian diplomatic missions is crucial in building UP’s image as a global investment hub.
A Diplomatic-Development Partnership
The interaction symbolized a growing synergy between diplomacy and economic development, aligning with the state government’s vision of accelerated industrial growth, job creation, and global integration.
