Gandhinagar: The Viksit Gujarat Summit 2026 was organised at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, with the objective of making Gujarat more globally competitive and technologically advanced through innovation. The summit was organised following the directives of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia also present.
The summit focused on Gujarat’s development roadmap, emerging technology sectors, foreign investment, renewable energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and sustainable growth.
Gujarat Emerging as Technology and Innovation Hub
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat has already established itself as India’s manufacturing hub, auto hub and a leader in renewable energy-driven green growth and is now rapidly emerging as a technology hub.
He highlighted the growing semiconductor ecosystem in the state, stating that three semiconductor plants are now operational in Gujarat. According to Patel, this development is creating an entirely new technology ecosystem and strengthening Gujarat’s position on the global technology map.
The state is also focusing on emerging sectors such as:
- Semiconductors
- Artificial intelligence
- Data centres
- Electronics
- Biotechnology
- Space technology
- Renewable energy
Read also: CM Bhupendra Patel Receives ₹6.33 Crore Dividend Cheque from Gujarat State Seed Corporation
Gujarat Announces GCC and Data Centre Policy
Patel said the State Government has recently announced the GCC and Data Centre Policy, which is expected to facilitate the establishment of hyperscale data centres in Gujarat in the coming years. He added that Gujarat will benefit from the tax holiday for data centres announced by the Government of India until 2047.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, describing it as an important link between technology and industry. He said the developed banking and financial ecosystem at GIFT City is also helping provide high-quality services to businesses operating in the sector.
Gujarat Ranks First in Investment Friendliness Index 2026
According to the recently released Investment Friendliness Index 2026 by NITI Aayog, Gujarat has ranked first in India in attracting foreign investment.
The state received cumulative FDI of US$73.9 billion between April 2020 and 2025. Gujarat has also consistently remained the country’s top destination for cumulative foreign direct investment since 2019.
Patel attributed the achievement to the state’s robust industrial ecosystem, sustainable governance and policy-driven administration.
He said these factors are contributing to:
- Employment generation
- Promotion of innovation
- Increased investment
- Industrial growth
- Improvement in citizens’ quality of life
‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Gujarat’ Vision for Inclusive Growth
Chief Minister Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a simple and effective understanding of development politics through the concept of “Politics of Performance.”
He said the vision of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Gujarat” goes beyond economic growth and aims to ensure equal opportunities, a better quality of life and a brighter future for every citizen. He also referred to the guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, stating that development should benefit every section of society.
Referring to National Handloom Day on August 7, Patel said the observance was initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2015. He highlighted the government’s focus on the “Vocal for Local” approach and initiatives aimed at supporting handloom artisans and other Antyodaya beneficiaries by providing access to global markets.
Gujarat Focuses on Economy Along With Ecology
Patel said the true meaning of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Gujarat” lies in ensuring the economic and social prosperity of every citizen.
He said Gujarat is balancing economic development with environmental protection through the concept of “Earning Well, Living Well.”
Several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen climate resilience, including:
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign
- Natural farming
- Amrit Sarovar construction
- Renewable energy projects
- Environmental conservation initiatives
The Chief Minister expressed hope that The Economic Times would also help promote awareness about ecological balance and contribute to the broader vision of sustainable development.
Gujarat’s Development Linked to Long-Term Vision
Patel said Gujarat has continuously benefited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 25 years and that the state has developed a strong foundation for holistic growth.
He said Gujarat’s progress should not be measured only through economic statistics but also through improvements in the quality of life of its citizens.
According to the Chief Minister, Gujarat has emerged as a growth engine and a role model for development, while the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences has helped position the state as the “Global Gateway to the Future” and the “Best Choice of Investment” for new industries and foreign investors.
Gujarat Sees Rapid Growth in Sunrise Sectors
Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Gujarat is witnessing rapid growth in emerging technology sectors.
He highlighted the expansion of the country’s space ecosystem, noting that while the space sector was once primarily associated with ISRO, nearly 50 startups have now presented their prototypes.
According to Modhwadia, many of these startups have already:
- Partnered with venture funds
- Developed prototypes
- Secured patents
- Entered emerging technology markets
He said Gujarat is witnessing rapid progress in space technology, electronics, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, while continuing its strong position in traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles and chemicals.
Modhwadia expressed confidence that Gujarat would become the leading state in sunrise sectors within the next five years.
Gujarat Invites Investors to Participate in Growth Journey
The Science and Technology Minister said Gujarat has the vision, financial strength and infrastructure required to attract investments across diverse sectors.
He stated that the Chief Minister has not rejected development projects because of financial constraints and invited investors and stakeholders attending the summit to establish businesses in Gujarat. He urged investors to become partners in Gujarat’s growth and contribute to India’s broader development journey.
Denmark Ambassador Praises Gujarat’s Renewable Energy Push
Ambassador of Denmark H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen also attended the event and expressed his appreciation for Gujarat’s development initiatives. He particularly highlighted the integrated use of solar energy, wind energy and battery storage at the large-scale Khavda Renewable Energy Park.
The ambassador described the scale and integration of renewable energy infrastructure in Gujarat as remarkable, highlighting the state’s growing role in clean energy and sustainable development.
Chief Minister Congratulates Economic Times on Summit
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated The Economic Times team for successfully organising the Viksit Gujarat Summit 2026. He described the summit as an important platform to evaluate Gujarat’s economic development and project its future roadmap.
Patel also expressed confidence that the development of Gujarat would contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with technology, investment, innovation and sustainable development playing key roles in the state’s future growth.
