Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Saurashtra and Kutch, describing the region as the “anchor region” of India’s growth and urging global investors to explore its untapped potential.
Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi: PM Modi Highlights Two-Decade Journey
After offering prayers at Somnath Mahadev during his first official visit to Gujarat in 2026, PM Modi said the mantra of “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi” resonates nationwide. He recalled that what began as a dream 20 years ago has become a trusted global benchmark, with 10 Vibrant Gujarat Summits held to date.
The Prime Minister emphasized that VGRC aims to transform the untapped potential of regions like Saurashtra and Kutch into performance, while providing a platform for corporates, MSMEs, startups, and global institutions to collaborate.
Saurashtra-Kutch: Hubs of Industry, Green Growth, and Innovation
Highlighting regional potential, PM Modi said over 2.5 lakh MSMEs operate in Rajkot alone, producing machine tools, auto parts, and rocket components. Morbi has emerged as one of the world’s largest tile manufacturing hubs.
He noted that the hybrid renewable energy park in Kutch, with a 30-gigawatt capacity, is five times the size of Paris, reflecting India’s commitment to green growth. Kutch and Jamnagar are also emerging as key hubs for green hydrogen, supported by large Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid stability.
The Prime Minister also spotlighted India’s push in AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and data-driven innovation, including the Dholera Special Investment Region hosting India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility.
Infrastructure, Tourism, and Global Investment
PM Modi highlighted world-class ports like Mundra and Pipavav that facilitate automobile exports. He also emphasized Gujarat’s leadership in skill development through institutions like Kaushalya Skill University, National Defence University, and Gati Shakti University.
Tourism potential was underlined with references to the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Rann Utsav of Kutch, Gir Forest, Shivrajpur Beach, Somnath, Dwarka, and Diu.
Calling India a preferred investment destination, he urged investors to leverage the current opportunity, assuring that reforms and the development journey will continue.
Gujarat Government Showcases Growth and Investment Opportunities
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, launched in 2003, has transformed Gujarat into the country’s growth engine. Over two decades, Gujarat has attracted foreign investments worth ₹3.57 lakh crore, with the Saurashtra-Kutch region contributing significantly.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted that the summit has grown from 80 MoUs in 2003 to 98,000 projects, with participation from over 400 exhibitors and delegates from 16 countries.
On the occasion, PM Modi announced 13 new smart industrial estates across seven districts of Saurashtra and Kutch and e-inaugurated a 336-acre Medical Device Park in Rajkot.
Cultural Highlights and Participation
The Prime Minister was felicitated with a shawl and memento. Folk artist Gitaben Rabari performed, showcasing the rich heritage of Saurashtra-Kutch. The event was attended by Union and state ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officials, industrialists, and foreign delegates.
