Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region in Rajkot, asserting that India is the world’s fastest-growing large economy and is moving ahead with “remarkable certainty” despite global uncertainty.
Addressing investors, industry leaders and dignitaries, the Prime Minister said the story of India’s growth reflects the success of the Reform-Perform-Transform mantra. He underlined that today’s India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a developed nation, with the “Reform Express” playing a central role in driving institutional and economic transformation.
PM Modi said that the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, which began over two decades ago, has evolved from an investment-focused summit into a global platform for partnership, cooperation and inclusive growth. “It is not just a summit, but a reflection of modern India’s journey in the 21st century – from vision to trust,” he remarked.
Highlighting India’s macroeconomic performance, the Prime Minister said inflation is under control, agricultural production is touching record levels, and India has emerged as a global leader in sectors ranging from milk and vaccine production to generic medicines. He added that India today has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, is among the top solar power producers, and has one of the largest metro rail networks globally.
Referring to global confidence in India, PM Modi noted that institutions such as the IMF, S&P and Fitch have acknowledged India’s growth potential, macroeconomic stability and fiscal credibility. “At a time of global uncertainty, India offers political stability, policy continuity and a fast-expanding neo-middle class,” he said, calling it the “right time” for investors to invest in India – and particularly in Saurashtra and Kutch.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Kutch and Saurashtra from regions once associated with droughts and disasters into key growth engines of the Indian economy. He said the regions are now major hubs for MSMEs, manufacturing, ports, renewable energy and the circular economy. Rajkot alone, he noted, hosts over 2.5 lakh MSMEs, producing everything from auto components to aerospace and defence parts.
PM Modi pointed to flagship projects such as the Dholera Special Investment Region, where India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility is coming up, and the 30 GW renewable energy park in Kutch, set to become the world’s largest hybrid energy park. He also highlighted Gujarat’s world-class ports, including Mundra and Pipavav, which have emerged as major automobile export hubs.
Stressing that infrastructure alone is not enough, the Prime Minister said an industry-ready workforce is the biggest requirement of the present time. He said Gujarat offers investors certainty through its strong education and skill-development ecosystem, including institutions such as Kaushalya Skill University, the National Defence University and Gati Shakti University.
PM Modi also showcased Gujarat’s tourism potential, citing attractions such as the Rann Utsav, Gir forest, Somnath and Dwarka, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, which celebrates India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy.
During the event, the Prime Minister announced the development of 14 greenfield smart GIDC estates and inaugurated a GIDC medical device park in Rajkot, aimed at boosting industrial growth and employment.
Industry leaders including Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Karan Adani of Adani Ports and SEZ, and B.K. Goenka of the Welspun Group announced major investment commitments in Gujarat, underscoring confidence in India’s long-term growth story. Representatives from partner countries Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and Ukraine also highlighted opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra is being held from January 11-12, covering 12 districts of western Gujarat. The outcomes of these regional conferences will be showcased at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a key driver of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
