Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Saurashtra-Kutch region in Rajkot on Sunday, emphasizing the state's unique blend of cultural heritage and economic progress. The two-day high-profile event aims to accelerate investment and industrial growth in western Gujarat.
Mantra of Development and Heritage
In his inaugural address, PM Modi expressed his delight at beginning his 2026 journey by paying respects at the Somnath temple before participating in the Rajkot event. He stated that Gujarat exemplifies how development and heritage can coexist and reinforce each other, a mantra he said is now resonating widely. He described the Vibrant Gujarat Summit as more than just an investment platform, calling it a journey reflecting modern India's unwavering confidence in the 21st century.
Major Investments and Infrastructure Push
The conference witnessed significant investment commitments from India's leading industrial houses. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, pledged an investment of ₹7 lakh crore in Gujarat over the next five years. Similarly, Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, committed ₹1.5 lakh crore for the Kutch region over the same period.
Prior to his speech, the Prime Minister inaugurated 13 New Smart Industrial Estates across 7 districts – Amreli, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Kutch, Morbi, Rajkot, and Surendranagar. Developed by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, these estates span a total area exceeding 3540 acres, aimed at boosting industrial infrastructure.
A Global Platform for Growth
The Rajkot conference, held at the Marwadi University campus, is designed to cater to 12 districts in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. Officials highlighted the scale of the event, noting that it features over 1,800 B2B meetings and is expected to result in the signing of approximately 1,500 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). More than 110 international buyers are participating, underscoring the global interest in Gujarat's economic landscape.
PM Modi outlined the evolution of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, from initially showcasing the state's potential to becoming a robust platform for international cooperation and inclusive growth. He noted the active participation of corporates, cooperatives, MSMEs, startups, and global financial institutions.
Highlighting India's macroeconomic strengths, the Prime Minister pointed out that India is the world's fastest-growing large economy with controlled inflation, rapidly advancing to become the third-largest economy globally. He also cited record agricultural production, India's top rank in milk production, and its status as the world's largest vaccine producer and mobile data consumer as indicators of transformative growth under the 'reform, perform, and transform' mantra.
The inauguration was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, marking a significant push to drive fresh momentum for investment in the region.
