Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference concludes with ₹3.34 lakh crore investments and 3,759 MoUs signed

VADODARA: The fourth Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Central Gujarat Region concluded in Vadodara, with investments exceeding ₹3.34 lakh crore through the signing of 3,759 memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The event took place in the presence of Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the investments secured are expected to generate over 1.97 lakh employment opportunities across Gujarat in the coming years. He marked the completion of all four editions of the VGRC initiative, themed ‘Regional Aspiration, Global Ambition’, across the state.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered the keynote address at the valedictory ceremony, highlighting the substantial transformation of India’s defence sector over the past decade. He stated, “India’s defence production, which stood at ₹46,000 crore in 2014, has grown to ₹1.78 lakh crore. In addition, India has achieved defence exports worth ₹39,000 crore.”

He acknowledged Gujarat’s historical role in nation-building and leadership, citing figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Singh noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India’s global stature has significantly risen, with the country’s voice now commanding attention on international platforms.

Defence Minister Singh emphasised the connection between national security and economic development, stating, “The economy and security are interconnected, and a great nation stands on three pillars: economic strength, technological capability and national security. The countries that lead in these areas will also lead in innovation.” He described India’s movement toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, citing the introduction of transparent licensing systems and policies to encourage private-sector participation. 

Highlighting Gujarat’s potential in defence manufacturing, Singh referenced the state’s industrial base, entrepreneurial spirit and skilled workforce as key factors. He pointed to Vadodara as the home of India’s first private military aircraft manufacturing facility, the Tata Airbus C-295 project, calling it “a historic milestone and a matter of great pride for the entire nation.” He also mentioned technological hubs in Sanand and Dholera and outlined Gujarat’s capabilities in chemicals, petrochemicals, electronics, ports, maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding as contributory to defence production.

Describing Gujarat as the national leader in renewable energy, the minister added that green energy would open new avenues for the defence sector. He praised the government’s Ease of Doing Business policies for their transparency and industry support.

Singh characterised India’s developmental journey as remarkable, stating, “India is not just imagining the future but actively building it, with Indian products reaching global markets.” He said the vision of self-reliance aims to strengthen, not isolate, India’s global partnerships.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reiterated that Gujarat has realised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development through the VGRC. He remarked, “The State Government’s commitment to taking local strengths, traditions and talent to the global stage through the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’ forms the foundation of the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.”

He added that under the Prime Minister’s mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform, a favourable policy environment has been created for industry and the economy, leading India to become one of the world’s five fastest-growing economies. Patel also noted the Prime Minister’s protection of Indian industry interests amid geopolitical challenges and pointed to increased foreign remittances of ₹13 lakh crore in 2025 as a sign of global confidence in India’s leadersship.

Referring to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2003, Patel declared that Gujarat has emerged as a global investment destination. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to balanced regional development and advancing towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh outlined a roadmap at the event to make Gujarat a powerhouse in inland fisheries. He stressed the state’s extensive coastline, village ponds, and saline water resources as assets to develop the blue economy and increase shrimp production.

The minister observed that Gujarat’s inland fisheries contribute only 2 per cent to the country’s total fisheries exports, indicating potential for growth. He advocated greater use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things in fisheries, enhancements to hatchery systems, investments in cold chain infrastructure, and improved transportation.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh called for a collaborative, time-bound action plan involving government, stakeholders, scientists and entrepreneurs to transform Gujarat into a global inland fisheries hub, expressing confidence that the conference would support the vision of Viksit Bharat through Viksit Gujarat.

The valedictory ceremony also featured addresses from Ajay Ranka, Chairman of Zydex Group, and Atul Dalmia, Chairman and Managing Director of Rubamin. At the opening of the event, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, Mamta Verma, presented details of the planning, execution and outcomes of the VGRC.

Artisans and entrepreneurs from various sectors were honoured for their contributions during the valedictory ceremony.