Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis leads global investor push as 19 MoUs signed in key sectors during World Economic Forum 2026.
Maharashtra has reinforced its position as India’s leading investment destination by signing 19 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth an unprecedented ₹14.50 lakh crore on the very first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, being held in Davos, Switzerland.
The announcements were made in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Industries Minister Dr. Uday Samant, marking one of the most significant global investment commitments secured by any Indian state in recent years.
19 MoUs Across Diverse Sectors
According to an official government statement, the MoUs span key sectors including green energy, food processing, steel manufacturing, information technology (IT) & IT-enabled services (ITeS), data centers, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, shipbuilding, and digital infrastructure. Collectively, these projects are expected to generate around 15 lakh new employment opportunities across the state.
Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed confidence that these agreements would accelerate Maharashtra’s economic growth and reaffirm its role as the “Gateway of India” for global investors. “Maharashtra continues to attract a large share of India’s FDI because we offer a business-friendly ecosystem, skilled workforce, and modern infrastructure. These agreements are not just numbers—they reflect global trust in Maharashtra’s future,” he said at the MoU signing event in Davos.
Driving the Next Phase of Growth
The new wave of investments reflects Maharashtra’s shift toward a sustainable, technology-driven growth model. The state, which has long been an economic powerhouse contributing nearly 15% to India’s GDP, is now positioning itself as a leader in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, data economy, and advanced manufacturing.
Dr. Uday Samant, Minister of Industries, highlighted that the agreements at Davos form only the beginning of a larger investment campaign. “These 19 MoUs are the result of months of global outreach, policy alignment, and investor engagement. In the next two days, we expect more partnerships to emerge in high-value technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, FinTech, and advanced digital infrastructure,” he said.
Focus on Green and Digital Transformation
A major portion of the investments—nearly 40%—are directed toward green energy, renewable technologies, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. This aligns with Maharashtra’s long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, in tune with India’s national climate goals.
The green energy projects will include large-scale solar and wind parks, hydrogen fuel production facilities, and EV battery manufacturing hubs across Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik districts. These initiatives are also expected to boost local supply chains and create significant employment in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
In addition, several MoUs target data centers and digital infrastructure, with leading global technology companies showing interest in establishing cloud and AI-based service hubs in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. State officials believe these projects will help Maharashtra become the data and digital capital of South Asia.
Maharashtra’s Competitive Edge
Maharashtra’s ability to attract large-scale investments at global forums like WEF stems from its proactive industrial policies and strong governance framework. The state government has streamlined regulatory processes under the “MahaVikas 2030” plan—focusing on single-window clearances, incentives for renewable and tech industries, and infrastructure upgrades.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Maharashtra’s industrial ecosystem benefits from well-developed logistics networks, large ports such as Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), world-class road and rail connectivity, and a deep pool of engineering and management talent.
“The world sees Maharashtra not just as a market but as a hub of innovation. We are collaborating with global leaders to create a resilient, future-ready economy that provides inclusive growth for all sections of society,” said Fadnavis during his address at the India Pavilion in Davos.
Job Creation and Regional Development
The ₹14.50 lakh crore investment package is projected to generate more than 15 lakh jobs, both direct and indirect, over the next five years. According to industry estimates, over 60% of these jobs will arise in manufacturing and allied sectors, while the remaining share will come from services, technology, and logistics.
The state’s industrial clusters in Aurangabad, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik are expected to benefit the most. In particular, new EV and battery manufacturing units will come up in the Pune-Chakan belt, while green hydrogen and solar energy projects are planned for Vidarbha and Marathwada.
“This investment will bring inclusive regional development. Our focus is on generating local employment while enhancing Maharashtra’s manufacturing competitiveness,” Dr. Samant added.
Building Confidence Among Global Investors
Industry observers view Maharashtra’s signing spree as a clear sign of investor confidence amid the ongoing global economic transformation. India’s overall participation in WEF 2026 has been marked by strong engagement from public and private sectors, with several states presenting their growth agendas to investors.
An official delegation from Maharashtra held bilateral meetings with global CEOs, investment fund representatives, and industry leaders from Europe, Japan, and the United States. Many investors commended Maharashtra’s consistency in policy reforms, ease of doing business, and digital infrastructure expansion.
Upcoming Announcements in High-Tech Sectors
Over the next two days at Davos, Maharashtra plans to finalize additional MoUs in cutting-edge domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, FinTech, logistics automation, and advanced shipbuilding technologies. These investments are likely to further boost the value of total commitments beyond ₹15 lakh crore by the end of the forum.
The Chief Minister noted that Maharashtra’s participation at Davos is part of a broader plan to position the state as a technology and sustainability leader in the Asia-Pacific region. “We are not just showcasing Maharashtra’s achievements but building future-ready partnerships that align with global innovation trends,” he said.
Reinforcing India’s Global Economic Footprint
Maharashtra’s performance at Davos adds momentum to India’s growing global investment footprint. As the state with the largest economy in India and the financial capital Mumbai at its heart, Maharashtra’s proactive approach continues to attract global attention.
The combination of industrial clarity, clean governance, and global partnerships underlines Maharashtra’s renewed confidence as it prepares for its next growth leap. The signing of 19 MoUs worth ₹14.50 lakh crore marks a milestone moment—one that positions Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s economic transformation in 2026 and beyond.
