Mangaluru Selected for Major Diplomatic Initiative to Boost Tech, Trade & Tourism
Mangaluru has secured a spot among ten Indian cities chosen for a significant diplomatic engagement. This initiative will involve embassy heads from all countries based in India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is leading this effort.
Captain Brijesh Chowta, the Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada, made this announcement. He revealed the news during a fireside chat at TiECon Mangaluru 2026. The session was titled 'Accelerating growth of startups from emerging hubs'.
Building International Linkages
Chowta explained the core purpose of this engagement. He said it aims to showcase the Mangaluru region on a global platform. The MP is actively engaging with embassies and central ministries to build strong international linkages.
He described the focus of these dialogues as "tech, trade and tourism." A major summit is proposed as part of this effort. It is likely to be held in April.
This summit will bring together embassy heads and approximately 400 successful members of the Mangaluru diaspora. These are individuals who have found success in other parts of the world. The event falls under the 'Back to Ooru' initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen ties with the coastal region.
Spotlight on Maritime Technology and Startups
Captain Chowta highlighted Mangaluru's inherent strengths as a port city. He identified maritime technology as a priority sector for development. The MP called for AI-driven solutions in several key areas:
- Port management
- Cargo handling
- Allied maritime operations
Discussions at the event also covered scaling up the city's startup ecosystem. Participants talked about strengthening innovation infrastructure. They emphasized the need for a stakeholder-driven city master plan for holistic development.
Government's Role in Enabling Startups
The session featured Sudeep Srivastava, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Sajeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, moderated the discussion.
Srivastava outlined the government's role in fostering a strong startup ecosystem. He noted a positive trend where many startups now emerge outside major metropolitan cities.
The MeitY official highlighted a specific government programme. This programme is implemented through 65 agencies. Its goal is to scale 1,600 technology startups. A key focus is on supporting startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Mangaluru.
Urban Planning as a Key Discussion Point
Urban planning formed a crucial part of the conversation. The dialogue underscored its importance for the city's sustainable growth. Developing a comprehensive, forward-looking master plan was a recurring theme.
This diplomatic selection positions Mangaluru for increased global visibility. It opens doors for international collaboration in technology, trade, and tourism. The upcoming summit promises to be a pivotal moment for connecting local potential with global opportunities.
