Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted the various states to grab the opportunity of foreign investments worth $100 billion which “are knocking at the doors of the country”.

Modi, who was speaking after formally inaugurating the Global Investors Summit at Indore in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, said that business groups from Japan, China and America interested in investing $100 billion have applied for visas. Now it is the turn of the states to capitalize on such opportunities, he said.

The states, which are ready, can walk away with a major share, he said.

Ambassadors and high commissioners of 28 countries, members of the state Cabinet and prominent industrialists of the country were present at the event.

Among others who were present included Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Federal Labour, Steel & Employment Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, federal Social Justice Minister Thaverchand Gehlot and a host of top industrialists.

Modi said the states added value to the country’s strength and it cannot rest on a single pillar — that is the Center. India cannot grow without the support of other pillars, he said.

There cannot be rivalries between the states and the Center. In fact, they have to complement each other if the country has to attain greater heights, he said.

India’s potential should be used to promote national development, he said. Here states play important role, said the premier.

It is the responsibility of the Center to motivate all states to meet their development goals and to provide support whenever there is any need.

For development, the states should work in tandem with Team India, which comprises the prime minister and chief ministers of all the states.

Madhya Pradesh may become the driving force for the country’s economy. Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chouhan is carrying out excellent work toward this. The role of the federal government will be to take India further ahead with the cooperation of states.

He said that times have changed now and no country can remain aloof from global economy.

“We should move ahead keeping this in view. Every state should set up its own global talent pool. Each state should set up a global network of its talents wherever in the world they may be and utilize their experience and talent for country’s development,” he said.

Captains of Indian industry overwhelmed

Captains of the Indian industry were also overwhelmed by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s entrepreneurship and dynamic leadership., They praised the industrial incentives being provided in the state to investors.

Soon after the inaugural session of Global Investors Summit, industrialists expressed their desire to invest in the state. They said that Madhya Pradesh will soon become a pioneer in the country in industrial development also.

Mukesh Ambani, India’s top industrialist, said in his address that Reliance Group will invest Rs.200 billion in the state in the next one and half years in digital industries, energy, retail etc. while his younger brother Anil Ambani’s Reliance ADA Group has assured to increase present investment in Madhya Pradesh from Rs.300 billion to Rs.600 billion.

A. M. Nair, chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), desired to invest in skill development and defense equipments manufacturing sectors in the state.

Tata Group’s Chairman Cyrus Mistry said that Tata Consultancy Services, Indore will provide jobs to 10,000 youths.

He talked about expansion of Tata International at Dewas and establish food packaging unit in Vidisha, skill training center at Dewas and cooperate in BRTS at Jabalpur and Ujjain.

He desired to establish driver-mechanic training center at Bhopal.

He said that Tata Group is committed to investing in Madhya Pradesh.

Noted industrialist Gautam Adani said that his group will invest Rs.200 billion in Madhya Pradesh in the next 5 years.

Adani lauded all-round development in Madhya Pradesh during last 8-10 years.

Essar Group’s Chairman Shashi Ruia informed about intention to invest Rs.40 billion in the state in energy, steel, BPO and coal band.

Sindoor Mittal of Welspun Group said that Madhya Pradesh has set an example of providing facilities rapidly to industrialists.

She informed that her group will invest Rs.50 billion in renewable energy sector in coming days.

John Stone of J. N. S. Group of Australia said that his country stands by India and Madhya Pradesh in opening a new era of cooperation

He lauded the state government for creating an excellent atmosphere of investment.

Future Group’s Chairman Kishore Biyani announced plans to provide jobs to 10,000 youths by establishing food park in the state.

He said that wheat from Madhya Pradesh is most suitable for preparing pasta.

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude toward industrial world at the first session of this massive global get-together, Chief Minister Chouhan said that he will not let their trust broken at any cost.

Madhya Pradesh will be made an ideal state for investment.

“We will move two steps toward you to cooperate in your efforts for establishing industries and business in the state,” he added. Chouhan said that the “trust will not be broken and out association will not end”. Madhya Pradesh will contribute its best for country’s progress.

In the welcome address, Commerce & Industries Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia said representatives of 28 countries are taking part in the Global Investors Summit and 9 countries are partnering in it.

Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing state in the country. State has important opportunities for global investment.

Noted singer Shan presented the “Madhya Pradesh Gaan”.