Fadnavis Seeks Greater UK Investment

According to officials, the partnership between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Maharashtra aims to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation, with a focus on promoting mutually beneficial economic growth.

Both sides recognised the opportunities presented by the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to deepen bilateral trade and investment, while acknowledging Maharashtra’s important role in realising these opportunities. The partnership is intended to provide a framework for cooperation to expand economic engagement between the UK and Maharashtra.

Following bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key sectors, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged. Mr Fadnavis highlighted opportunities in clean energy, technology, education, healthcare and global capability centres, and urged UK businesses to explore the state’s growth potential.

Mr Fadnavis said the visit of the high-level UK delegation, comprising secretaries, a mayor and other officials, was not merely a formal engagement but an effort to translate the ambitions of both sides into concrete business opportunities and agreements.

Highlighting Maharashtra’s economic strengths, the Chief Minister said Mumbai connects international finance, trade and entrepreneurship directly with global markets, while Pune has emerged as a major hub for engineering, automobiles, manufacturing and information technology. “Maharashtra’s strength lies in its skilled workforce across the state, a robust industrial ecosystem and a strong network of experienced partners serving global clients,” he added.

Mr Fadnavis also pointed out that the new National Education Policy had opened up opportunities for foreign universities to establish campuses in Maharashtra. Institutions such as the University of Bristol, the University of York and the University of Aberdeen were establishing a presence in the state. Proposed education cities, medicities and an AI innovation city would further bring together world-class research, institutions and talent, he said.

He also highlighted opportunities for UK companies in clean energy, including industrial decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water management, transport and resource recycling.

The state government would extend full support to global companies seeking to establish global capability centres and technology research facilities in Maharashtra, he said.

The partnership would also create opportunities for local manufacturers, food-processing industries, technology companies and small entrepreneurs from Maharashtra to access new markets and customers in the UK. Bilateral ties would deepen beyond agreements through actual business activity, industrial development and employment generation, Mr Fadnavis added.

UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said Maharashtra was the most natural destination for British companies seeking to enter the Indian market, citing its economic strength, political stability and leadership.

Describing Maharashtra’s economy as larger than that of Norway, Mr Reynolds said the delegation had come to achieve tangible outcomes rather than merely sign agreements. He called on people on both sides to work together to accelerate economic growth and development in the two countries.